The Canadian government has recently introduced stricter visa rules for international students, making the process of studying in the country more challenging for foreigners.
Marc Miller, Canada’s immigration minister, disclosed a set of new requirements for prospective international students. Effective January 1, 2024, students applying for study permits must demonstrate access to $20,635 in Canadian Dollars, a significant increase from the previous requirement of $10,000.
Importantly, this additional amount is distinct from tuition fees and does not include potential expenses for accompanying family members.
The $10,000 requirement has been in place for a remarkable two decades, and this adjustment aims to better align with the actual cost of living in Canada. Furthermore, the government plans to regularly review and adjust this minimum amount based on statistical data to ensure accuracy and fairness.
Minister Miller underscored the positive impact of international students on Canadian communities, acknowledging their cultural, social, and economic contributions.
However, he also acknowledged the challenges these students face, prompting the need for changes. The goal is to ensure that international students have a clear understanding of the true cost of living in Canada while protecting them from financial vulnerability and potential exploitation.
In addition to the financial adjustments, Minister Miller expressed concerns about potential exploitation of students and warned of possible limitations on the number of visas issued.
He emphasized that institutions are expected to accept only as many students as they can adequately support, house, and assist in finding off-campus housing. The government is prepared to take decisive measures, including significant visa limitations, to ensure that learning institutions provide sufficient support to international students.
Miller called for collaboration among various stakeholders, including provincial and territorial governments and educational institutions, to effectively support international students. Importantly, he stated that if provinces and territories fail to take necessary actions, the federal government is prepared to intervene, even considering measures such as shutting down designated learning institutions.
This development aligns with a broader global trend, as even the government of Australia has hinted at upcoming changes in immigration policies, with a focus on students. These changes are expected to be announced soon, marking a broader international shift in policies regarding student immigration.
