Canada plans to reduce the number of international students in certain provinces

Ottawa shares jurisdiction in administering the Canada International Student Program with the provinces. The federal government issues visas to students, while provincial governments are responsible for regulating colleges and universities.

The source said that the government is seeking to identify governorates that accept a larger number of international students beyond the availability of housing to accommodate them. The source specifically pointed to Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia as possible examples.

The source, who remained anonymous because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter, said Ottawa has spoken with some provinces about limiting the number of students in more densely populated areas, as well as tightening regulations where institutions can accept international students. But those discussions went nowhere.

The federal government said Canada will welcome about 900,000 international students in 2023.

Immigration Minister Mark Miller floated the idea of ​​capping temporary residents in recent weeks as a way to address the shortage of affordable housing.

Last month, the federal government doubled the amount of money international students must prove they have access to to apply for a visa.

Students who want to come to Canada must now prove they have access to $20,635 instead of the $10,000 requirement, which has been in place for two decades.

During a press conference marking the announcement, Miller called on districts to do more to help accommodate international students. He also criticized the lax regulations surrounding the operation of some post-secondary institutions.

In the provinces there are study programs that resemble sausage factories, simply producing certificates, and this is not a legitimate experience for students.Miller said at the press conference held in December.

In November, Ottawa announced that after several recent increases in annual immigration targets, immigration would remain stable at a target of 500,000 new permanent residents in 2026.

Last week, a Canadian newspaper report revealed that senior officials warned the federal government that increased immigration would have an impact on the affordability and availability of housing, as well as services such as health care.

Source: CBC/CP/D.Major/L.Blouin

Adaptation: RCI/R. Valencia