December 13th 2023.
The Canadian government recently announced the potential imposition of a cap on foreign student visas, citing the need to improve the quality of education and housing provisions for international students. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has underlined the government’s readiness to implement measures to ensure that designated learning institutions provide adequate support for learners.
The past decade has seen a rapid surge in the number of international students in Canada, with figures reaching 800,000 last year. This increase has been accompanied by a significant rise in housing costs. It is worth noting that international students make a substantial contribution to the education sector, paying approximately five times more than their Canadian peers for undergraduate programs. According to the Canadian government, international students pay an average of C$36,123, in contrast to the C$6,834 fee paid by Canadian undergraduates.
The Minister has set a September deadline for institutions to enhance support for international students. He highlighted Canada’s responsibility to protect learners from exploitative practices, such as inflated living costs, and called attention to the prevalence of diploma mills in some provinces.
The Free Press Journal recently interviewed aspiring students who are intending to pursue higher education in Canada. Many of them expressed concerns at the limited availability of visa spots, potential housing costs, and the impact of government policy changes on their dreams of studying abroad.
Sunmesh Tirlotkar, one of the interviewees, highlighted the importance of proper visas in the educational journey. He commented, “Getting a visa is the first step for us to start our higher education in Canada. If there are changes in government policies, higher tuition fees, and the stress of getting a visa increases, it will be tough for us.” He also expressed understanding for the government’s view, saying, “Providing foreign students with proper quality education and housing facilities is their duty.”
The evolving landscape of foreign student visas and related policies in Canada is a source of worry for many. Government data reveals that since 2018, 403 Indian students have lost their lives abroad. This serves to further emphasize the importance of adequate provisions for international learners and the need to ensure a secure and genuine student experience.
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