Canada caps visas, raises concerns for Indian students

Canada has implemented a two-year cap on new international student visas, with a 35% reduction in study visas for 2024, impacting those planning to study in the country, especially students from India.

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Immigration Minister Marc Miller cited the need to address a housing crisis and target “bad actors” among private colleges. The cap, set to reassess permit issuance in 2025, aims to maintain a sustainable level of temporary residence and curb the growth of international students. Provinces will decide how permits are distributed, and changes to the post-graduation work permit program were also announced, affecting specific programs’ eligibility.

The move by Canada to cap international student visas for two years has stirred significant discussions about the impact on aspiring students, particularly those from India. With more than 800,000 international students issued temporary study visas in 2022, the reduction in permits for 2024 and the subsequent reassessment in 2025 have raised concerns about access to quality education.