Canada’s Immigration Minister Addresses Surging Foreign Student Numbers, Prompts Housing Concerns
Until now, a record-breaking influx of people from abroad occurred in Canada, leading to a population growth rate of 3.2%, the fastest globally. The surge in population led to an increase in demand in the labor market, causing a rise in housing prices. This situation has prompted some Canadian policymakers to consider the necessity of controlling the numbers of foreign workers and students. Canada’s Immigration Minister, Mark Miller, mentioned the need to limit the number of students coming from abroad due to challenges in affordable housing. The question of where all these people will reside poses a significant challenge as the infrastructure for such population growth is not readily available.
Canada’s Increasing Appeal for Employment and Education
It is said that the craze for working and studying in Canada is escalating because the flow of foreign individuals towards Canada is steadily rising. In an interview with a TV channel, Immigration Minister Miller stated that the liberal government is contemplating setting limits on the number of international students arriving in Canada, as the surge in their numbers has contributed to unemployment. Miller noted that students coming from abroad to Canada have increased significantly, leading to a rise in unemployment. Now, every student’s offer letter will be scrutinized, and decisions will be made based on that. An official statement will also be released stating that no student from abroad will be allowed in Canada anymore.
Factors for Student Control
- In the first six months of 2024, Canada might face economic challenges.
- Canada’s growth rate is expected to be only 0.1% annually.
- Between 2025 and 2028, Canada’s average growth rate may be only 1.95%.
What Do Experts Say?
Canada has control over student visas and visas for temporary workers, but this can significantly impact the economy. Without foreign individuals, Canada’s growth rate may slow down. Even a recession might occur. To sustain development in Canada, experts believe allowing people from abroad is essential.
Canada’s Current Student Population
Currently, there are around 800,000 students with active visas in Canada. This number has significantly increased compared to the 275,000 students in 2012. In the last three months alone, 300,000 students reached Canada. If temporary resident numbers in Canada continue to rise, the economy will slow down.
India’s Comparable Growth Expectations
Compared to large countries like India, which anticipates a growth rate of over 7% in 2024, Canada’s growth rate is projected to be only 0.1% throughout the year. From 2025 to 2028, Canada’s average growth rate is expected to be just 1.95%. If temporary resident numbers decrease in Canada, real GDP growth might be 0.7% in 2024. Over the next four years, the actual GDP growth rate will be only 1.78%.
January 1, 2024 – What Changes Did the Canadian Government Make?
For Indian students preparing to move to Canada, essential news has arrived. The Canadian government has made three significant changes for international students. These changes will be effective from January 1, 2024. The three alterations have been detailed by immigration consultant Parth Bhasakar.
- First Change: To apply for a Canadian visa, an Indian student must deposit 10,000 Canadian dollars annually, which is approximately 6,20,000 Indian rupees, into a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) in a Canadian bank. This amount will have to be doubled each year to secure 20,635 Canadian dollars, meaning around 12,66,000 Indian rupees will need to be deposited annually. This is to be given as a refundable deposit.
- Second Change: Students who applied for a student visa to Canada before December 7, 2023, and got accepted, will be able to work full-time from April 30, 2024. This is a change from working for 20 hours on campus to 40 hours off campus.
- Third Change: Those who held post-graduate work permits for three years in 2021, 2022, and 2023 and extended them for 18 months for free, will not receive an extension in their work permits. If they want an extension, they will have to follow the process. If they want to progress further, they will need to find a job.
