Recent statistics from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicate that over 203,000 international students’ work permits are set to expire within the next 15 months.
In response to concerns regarding the pressures placed on the housing market, the Canadian government has announced significant reductions to the number of international student permits. This move will hinder the influx of new students.
On September 18, 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller outlined the changes aimed at decreasing the temporary resident population in Canada from 6.5 percent to 5 percent of the overall population.
This announcement follows a prior decision to impose a temporary two-year cap on international student permits, which resulted in a 35 percent reduction in student visas.
Many international students depend on their Canadian work experience gained through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program to enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residency.
However, with limited extensions and evolving immigration policies, many students face uncertain futures amid heightened competition for permanent residency spots.
In 2023, Canada welcomed over one million study permit holders, dramatically increasing from 352,305 in 2015. This marks one of the highest numbers of international students in history.
The IRCC plans to cut study permits by 10 percent in 2025, potentially impacting many students from India, who have consistently made up Canada’s largest demographic of international students.
Ontario, the most populous province, has seen its share of international students grow from 49 percent in 2021 to 51 percent in 2023. This trend underscores the province’s increasing importance as a destination for global education.
The impending expiration of work permits could significantly affect the province’s economy as these students transition out of the workforce.
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