Canada To Reassess Immigration Numbers In Summer Talks

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Lena Diab, said the government will use this summer’s immigration consultations to decide future limits on study visas for international students. These talks will involve provinces, universities, and students. The goal is to keep the student visa system stable and manageable.

Why the Review Now?
Recently, Canada reduced the number of study permits after a rapid rise in international student numbers caused problems. Schools struggled to provide enough housing and support services for all students. Many universities now face budget troubles due to fewer international students, as they had depended heavily on their fees.

Support Must Match Student Numbers
A government spokesperson explained that schools should only admit as many students as they can support properly. “The annual growth in the number of international students couldn’t be sustained while ensuring students receive the support they need,” she said. To control numbers, study permit applications now need a letter from a province or territory confirming that the school can support the student.

Budget Issues Hit Schools Hard
Universities across Canada report budget shortfalls. They have cut jobs and programs because international student numbers dropped. Universities relied on tuition fees from these students to cover gaps caused by low funding from provinces and territories. Gabriel Miller, head of Universities Canada, said international tuition fees acted as a “stopgap” for years of underfunding.

How Big Was the Student Visa Boom?
The number of study visas issued in Canada jumped from 219,000 in 2015 to a peak of 681,000 in 2023. The government set targets to reduce this number starting last year. In 2024, the goal was 485,000 visas, but over 516,000 were issued. This year, the target is 437,000, and over 96,000 visas were already given in early 2025.

Political Voices Speak Up
Some political critics want a faster and bigger cut in student visas. Conservative critic Michelle Rempel Garner said, “The Liberals do not need more consultations to tell them what is already abundantly clear; immediate action is needed to massively reduce the number of foreign student visas.” She pointed to rising youth unemployment and housing shortages as reasons for cutting visas quickly.

Rising Youth Unemployment Adds Pressure
In May, government data showed unemployment among returning students hit 20%, up three points from the year before. This increase adds to concerns that the student visa numbers must be controlled better to protect both students and communities.