Ottawa: The Canadian government has announced a significant reduction in the number of study permits issued to international students to prevent Canada's immigration and education system from exploitation at the hands of 'bad actors.'.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced an additional reduction in the number of study permits issued to international students from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 next year.
The number would not increase in 2026 from the 2025 level, he said at a press conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, adding that “the international student cap is here to stay.”
Bad Actors
Taking to microblogging platform X, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed his government's decision to reduce the number of international student permits by an additional 10% in 2025.
“Immigration is an advantage for our economy – but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down.”
What awaits low-wage foreign workers
Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault announced new limits on hiring low-wage temporary foreign workers, capping it at 10 percent of an employer’s workforce, with higher limits allowed in healthcare, food processing, and construction sectors due to labour shortages.
These changes come ahead of the government's announcement of permanent resident targets, which are expected to remain unchanged. The government also introduced tighter rules on work permits for spouses of foreign students and workers, limiting eligibility to certain sectors.
College graduates will only be eligible for work permits in areas with labour shortages, while university graduates will still have access to a three-year permit. Critics are concerned that these measures could discourage skilled workers and students from coming to Canada.
Immigration privilege not a right
This is part of an effort to limit the number of temporary residents in the country, aiming to reduce the current 6.8% of the population to 5%. “This is about slowing down a big ship and it will take time,” said Foreign Minister Marc Miller.
He further emphasized that Canada views immigration as a privilege, not a right, and that not everyone who applies will be accepted.
"The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to, just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to," Miller stated.
Immigration strain on housing and services
The reduction in study permits comes amid concerns about the strain on Canada's housing and social services, driven by record immigration numbers.
Canada's population has surpassed 41 million this year, despite ongoing measures to limit immigration. The Liberal government is facing increased pressure, particularly after losing a key by-election seat in Quebec and as it prepares for a confidence vote in parliament.
The reduction in temporary residents and international students has emerged as a focal point in the lead-up to the 2025 general election, as the government seeks to address public concerns while maintaining a balanced immigration system.