Canadian postsecondary schools warn that a federal cap on international student visas could have unintended consequences. The cap could hurt institutions under financial strain and damage the country’s image as a study destination, NewWestminster Record reports.
Canadian Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, said in a CTV interview Sunday that the federal government is considering a limit on the number of study permits it issues, citing a high volume that “has gotten out of control.” It’s the second time since August that he has suggested such a move is in the works, though Ottawa has yet to produce details.
However, Philip Landon, the interim president of Universities Canada, a lobby group representing nearly 100 Canadian schools, stated on Thursday that he had advised the government against implementing a uniform visa cap.
There were more than 800,000 international students in Canada in 2022, and the government has said it expected more than 900,000 in 2023. The study-permit program has come under scrutiny because the addition of international students has contributed to a housing crisis in some parts of the country, such as the Greater Toronto Area. Mr. Miller has also compared some institutions to “puppy mills” providing a subpar educational experience.
Mr. Landon said he senses that the federal government is more focused on private colleges than universities this time and is devising mechanisms to address growth in that sector. Although universities have seen significant increases in international student numbers, that growth has been steady rather than explosive.
“Canada needs to continue to attract talent from around the world. It’s really important that there’s responsible growth and that we don’t put a chill on international students coming,” Mr Landon said.
Universities are still hoping to see a trusted institution framework implemented. This framework would reward schools with a good record of international students and fast-track their study permit applications. The government said it would prepare a framework for the fall 2024 semester.
Bahoz Dara Aziz, a spokesperson for Mr. Miller, said negotiations on that model are continuing with provincial governments.
Colleges and Institutes Canada, the umbrella group representing publicly funded colleges, said the increasing number of international students has brought many benefits to schools and communities, including a $22 billion annual contribution to the economy. The higher tuition fees paid by international students have helped schools mitigate the impact of decreased provincial funding, CIC said.
“Solutions need to recognize regional differences and steer clear of a one-size-fits-all approach, which could be detrimental to those communities with ample capacity to welcome additional students,” CIC said on its website.
Michael Sangster, chief executive officer of the National Association of Career Colleges, said he does not believe private institutions, such as his constituents, are the problem.
“We welcome the minister’s clear indication that he’s looking at labour force needs as an important outcome for international student recruitment,” Mr Sangster said. “Skilled trades, personal support workers, truck drivers, logistics—those are the roles at which our institutions flourish.”
Larissa Bezo, president of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, said Ottawa must avoid “simplistic, short-term solutions” that would damage Canada’s reputation as a welcoming, attractive country to international students.
She conceded there is an oversaturation of students in some parts of the country but pointed to regions with the capacity to grow that are eager for more. She said a cap could lead to unhealthy competition between provinces and institutions.
“Instead of a positive narrative focused on how Canada can best manage its success in becoming a destination of choice for the best and brightest international students, we have a negative one that seems to be blaming them for failures of process and policy. This is shortsighted and unconscionable.”
