In a recent announcement aimed at reducing the number of temporary residents, the Canadian government has implemented significant cuts to permits for international students and tightened rules for foreign workers. This decision is poised to affect many Indian students and workers seeking opportunities in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared on social media platform X: “We’re granting 35% fewer international student permits this year. And next year, that number’s going down by another 10%. When bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down.” According to the Immigration Department, Canada approved 509,390 permits in 2023, with 175,920 permits issued in the first seven months of 2024. The new measures will reduce the number of international study permits in 2025 to 437,000.
The latest regulations will also limit the work permits available to spouses of temporary foreign workers and students. These changes come as Trudeau’s government faces declining approval ratings ahead of the next federal elections. Earlier this year, the government had already introduced a two-year limit on international students.
Impact on Indian Students
Canada has been a top destination for Indian students, with around 4.27 lakh of the 13.35 lakh Indian students studying abroad currently in Canada. The number of Indian students in Canada has surged by 260% from 2013 to 2022. Notably, 40% of foreign students in Canada are from India, according to a Reuters report.
With the recent cuts in international student permits, many Indian students may need to explore alternative options in countries like the US, UK, or Australia for their education. This shift could lead to a significant re-evaluation of Canada’s appeal as a study destination for Indian students.
