The recent policy changes introduced by the Justin Trudeau administration are poised to impact Indians planning to study or currently pursuing courses in Canada. With a focus on addressing escalating food costs and a housing crisis, these adjustments may prompt Indian students to consider alternative education destinations like the UK, US, and Australia.
India stands as the largest contributor of overseas students in Canada, boasting around 2.30 lakh Indian students enrolled in various courses, according to the high commission in Ottawa. However, the Canadian government’s decision to limit the number of student visas to 360,000, marking a 35% reduction from the previous year, is a temporary measure announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller.
The new regulations also impose restrictions on post-graduate work permits for overseas students, encouraging them to return to their home countries. Previously viewed as a straightforward path to permanent residency, these permits are now limited to those pursuing Master’s or Post-Doctorate programs, granting a three-year work permit. Those admitted under a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer qualify for post-graduate work permits.
Open work permits will exclusively be granted to spouses of overseas students pursuing Master’s or doctoral programs, while spouses of undergraduate and college students lose eligibility. Additionally, student permit applications now require a letter of attestation from a Canadian province, confirming its capacity to accommodate the applicant.
The tightening of regulations stems from the strain caused by the influx of overseas students into Canada, particularly due to the allure of easily obtaining work permits after completing studies. This surge contributed to a housing crisis and a 7.7% increase in rents, as reported by Statscan. The rising cost of living, coupled with unemployment, presented a political challenge for Trudeau, with Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre leading in polls ahead of an upcoming election. Responding to the situation, the Trudeau administration implemented these new norms to address the overwhelming volume of students entering the country. ‘Right now we have a challenge with the sheer volume of students coming in. It’s just gotten out of control and needs to be reduced – I would say – significantly over a short period of time,’ stated Canadian Minister Marc Miller.