Canada sees surge in foreign student permits despite intake reduction plans

Despite the Canadian government's efforts to curb the intake of temporary residents, including international students, data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals an increase in study permits issued in the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. The rise in permits comes amidst measures aimed at reducing the influx due to a shelter affordability crisis impacting the popularity of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's administration.

From January to April 2024, Canada issued 187,510 study permits, up from 165,805 in 2023. Notably, Indian students accounted for a significant portion, with their study permits rising from 72,750 to 81,260. Despite IRCC's announcement of an intake cap aimed at reducing approvals by 35% this year, the actual permits issued show an increase.

IRCC's initial goal was to limit study permit approvals to approximately 360,000 in 2024, part of broader efforts to decrease Canada's temporary resident population by 5% over the next three years, as announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller in March. However, recent trends indicate a slight decline only in May, raising questions about the effectiveness of these measures amidst ongoing housing affordability challenges.