Canada Imposes Two-Year Ban on Arrival of International Students

Canada Imposes Two-Year Ban


Impact on Education and Immigration Policies

Canada has imposed a two-year ban on the arrival of international students. According to the Canadian government, due to the increasing pressure on the residential and public health systems, restrictions have been placed on the entry of international students. The non-governmental news agency reports that this ban will result in approximately a 35% decrease in the issuance of study permits and related visas. In 2022, there were 800,000 international students in Canada, which is 214,000 more than a decade ago. Canada's Immigration Minister, Mark Miller, stated that Canada will issue study permits to 360,000 international students this year. Uniform policies have been adopted across all provinces of Canada, and each province will have to play a role in restricting the entry of foreign students according to the ban.


Scope of the Ban and Exemptions

This ban will only apply to international students enrolled in diploma and undergraduate programs; it will not affect students renewing their study permits. Moreover, students completing their education will also not be issued work permits for employment in public or private sector industrial and commercial institutions. Mark Miller stated that while some universities and other educational institutions are taking advantage of the government's leniency by accommodating more international students beyond their residential and teaching capacity, this has led to public health issues. The average price of residential units in Canada has soared to over USD 500,000, with rents increasing by up to 22%.


Conclusion

The imposition of a two-year ban on the arrival of international students reflects Canada's concern for its educational and public health infrastructure amid increasing pressure. While this move aims to alleviate strain, it also highlights the need for a balanced approach to immigration policies and educational capacity.