The Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, plans to explore limiting the number of international students in Canada in the coming months. However, he needed to specify how much the government intends to reduce the current numbers.
In an interview, Minister Miller explained that discussions with provincial governments are necessary to address the concerns about the overwhelming volume of international students in Canada. He emphasized the need for provinces to manage these numbers effectively.
Minister Miller worried about the current situation, stating that the system has become unmanageable. The federal government has received criticism for admitting a growing number of permanent and temporary immigrants amid a housing shortage in the country.
Based on internal documents obtained through an access to information request, recent reports revealed that public servants warned the government two years ago that ambitious immigration targets could worsen housing affordability.
The Liberal government has set targets to welcome 485,000 immigrants in the current year, with plans for 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. Temporary residents, including international students and migrant workers, are a significant part of this equation, with over 300,000 arriving in Canada in the previous year’s third quarter.
Minister Miller announced that he will consider implementing a cap on international students in this year’s first and second quarters to alleviate housing demand. When questioned about the timing of considering a cap, he explained the need to first analyze federal-level data before delving into the specifics of individual academic institutions in different provinces.
He stressed the importance of verifying offer letters and ensuring financial capabilities for those coming to Canada. Miller acknowledged the need for a conversation about the impact of the current volume of international students on various regions.
However, he noted that a cap would not be a one-size-fits-all solution for housing shortages across Canada. Responding to concerns about the significant gap between the number of international students and the homes the government plans to build, Miller highlighted the broader considerations in immigration targets, including the urgency to lower the workforce’s average age.
While not providing specific details, Miller confirmed that the federal government is actively considering a cap on international students and will continue to do so. He emphasized the importance of discussions with provinces and the financial needs of academic institutions in reaching a decision.
