Canada Sees 45% Drop in Student Enrolment After New Visa Restrictions

Canadian universities are sounding the alarm over a sharp decline in international student enrolments following the recent cap on study visas.

Gabriel Miller, President of Universities Canada, revealed that initial projections show a staggering 45% drop in international student numbers, with official tallies expected by October.

“There’s a real chance the situation will be worse than anticipated,” Miller told Global News. “This should be a wake-up call for Ottawa to take immediate action.”

The visa cap, introduced in January by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, aims to cut international student intake by 35% over the next two years. This temporary measure addresses concerns about housing, healthcare, and other services strained by the increasing number of international students.

Originally, the government planned to approve 364,000 study permits in 2024. However, this estimate has been adjusted to approximately 292,000, with the cap primarily affecting provinces experiencing the most significant growth in student enrolment.

Universities Canada is concerned about the long-term effects of this cap. Miller emphasized that international students are vital to both the educational sector and the wider economy, noting, “The cap’s collateral damage will hurt our ability to attract and retain talent in the future.”

While the immigration minister’s office acknowledged the reduction in approvals compared to 2023, they stated it’s too early to gauge the full impact. The busiest period for study permit processing—August and September—has yet to be fully analyzed. More accurate data will be available after fall 2024 and winter 2024 figures are compiled.