Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has indicated that the country is reconsidering the number of long-term visas issued to foreign students. This reflects the government’s intention to curb immigration and control population growth. In a phone interview, Miller stated that federal and provincial officials are discussing ways to align labor market needs with the influx of international students. He emphasized that study visas should not imply a guaranteed path to residency or citizenship, suggesting that students should consider returning home with the skills they’ve acquired.
The Trudeau administration is facing increased pressure due to the rising cost of living, housing shortages, and higher unemployment rates. In response, Canada has capped the number of international student visas, projecting fewer than 300,000 new permits this year, compared to approximately 437,000 last year. Officials are now evaluating which students should be allowed to stay post-graduation.
Miller highlighted the need to ensure that international students’ jobs align with their studies and address labor shortages in various provinces. He asserted that the rationale for unlimited international student admissions no longer holds.
The number of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders has surged, with 132,000 new permits issued in 2022, a 78% increase over four years. Miller mentioned that changes to immigration policies would require discussions with government and business leaders. Additionally, the Trudeau administration is scrutinizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, aiming to reduce the proportion of temporary residents in Canada from nearly 7% to 5%.
In recent weeks, foreign workers in Prince Edward Island have protested against cuts in permanent residency nominations for sales and service positions, with some resorting to hunger strikes.
