The recent bombshell dropped by Immigration Minister Mark Miller, announcing a 35% cut in admissions for international students, sent shockwaves through the academic community. While speculation about this move circulated due to media reports linking it to housing concerns all over the country since the fall of 2023, the severity of the decrease caught everyone off guard. Currently it raises the question of discontinuation of programs and job cuts in many university and colleges in Canada.
A critcal question was raised throughout the process: is the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and more precisely international students coming to Canada at stake?
Since the pandemic we have witnessed, Canada has grappled with unnecessary backlogs, delays, and high rates of study visa refusals. This abrupt decision reflects a desperate attempt to rectify a system that seems to have lost its way. The issues at hand are multifaceted and complex, ranging from language proficiency challenges for incoming students to a flawed admissions process in certain colleges driven by financial motives, thus disregarding the genuine aspirations of eligible students seeking quality education, employment, immigration opportunities and a future in Canada in an ethical way.
This action has also put spotlight to dubious actors, including unauthorised agents and education counselors from outside Canada, whose limited knowledge of the education system, labor market, and societal changes jeopardizes students’ immigration prospects.
While the cap is province-specific, allocation might signal a positive shift for Alberta, offering potential increased intake capacity, compared to the the eastern provinces where the sudden surge of educational institutes providing poor quality of education, grapples with housing crises, impacting the affordability of living for newcomers.
In the pursuit of better sustainability and overall success, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now focus on in-demand occupations across various fields. Despite this, recent invitations to candidates from the general stream in January hint at the importance of having strong ties to Canada in securing coveted positions.
Looking ahead, the adjustment to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) criteria starting September 2024 adds another layer of complexity. International students embarking on a curriculum licensing agreement will no longer be eligible for PGWP, affecting those starting in private partnership colleges and later transitioning to Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). This does not include students who are enrolled in designated learning institutes from start. Additionally, spouses and common-law partners of most PGWP eligible international students who are currently enrolled in a designated learning institution, are currently eligible for an open work permit. Though announcement is yet to come, but soon, this will be restricted to spouses and common-law partners of international students in master’s and doctoral programs only i.e. spousal open work permit for students in non-masters and doctoral program will soon be stopped.
This tumultuous journey in Canada’s immigration landscape demands a critical examination of its integrity, the impact on aspiring students, and a plea for a system that prioritizes fairness, inclusivity, and genuine opportunities for those seeking a new beginning. The next eight months will undoubtedly bring forth significant changes, leaving us to wonder about the future of Canada’s allure for international students. Thank you for joining this exploration, and that’s a wrap from me.