Canada Implements Temporary Cap on Study Permits to Address Housing Crisis

Luminary Times14 Sep, 2024News

In response to the escalating housing crisis, the Canadian government has introduced a temporary two-year cap on the issuance of new study permits for international students. This decision, announced on January 22, 2024, aims to ease the pressure on the country's housing market and balance the growing demand for both educational resources and accommodation. The policy, set to take effect ahead of the September 2024 academic semester, will result in a 35% reduction in the number of new international student admissions. The government plans to issue approximately 360,000 study permits this year, a significant drop from the 900,000 permits granted in 2023. Marc Miller, Canada's immigration minister, stated that the restrictions are necessary to ensure that designated learning institutions (DLIs) provide adequate academic support and a well-rounded student experience.