Are there too many international students in Canada?
The uncontrolled issuance of study permits has turned into problems and bans.
In recent years, Canada has seen a surge in the number of international students, exceeding the government's expectations. According to IRCC, by the end of December 2023 there were more than one million people with study permits (1,028,850), more than half of whom live in one province.
This number includes high school, college and university students, and those doing "other studies." 526,015 of them are in Ontario, 202,565 in British Columbia and 117,925 in Quebec. Nunavut lists just 10 international students and Saskatchewan has 8,695.
Marc Miller, the immigration minister, has expressed concern over the growing number of foreign students and called for restrictions, especially on private colleges with low standards, likening them to "puppy mills". On Monday, the ministry had already officially imposed restrictions on study and work (post-study) permits.
A sharp increase in the number of international students
In 2019, the number of international students was 637,855, but by 2022 the figure had risen to 807,260. Especially many students come from India, which is the leading supplier country for international students (followed by China). However, the recent conflict between Canada and India has led to a decline in applications from Indian students.
In ministry documents from August 2023, it was expected that the number of applications for studies from foreigners would reach about one million by 2024. However, by September, the data already showed an excess of this figure.
Students don't learn?
In November, Statistics Canada found that about 19 percent of international students with study permits were not enrolled in institutions. The analysis included comparing tax data and other sources to determine where students were studying.
A report by the Department of Immigration showed that some private colleges may have absenteeism rates as high as 90 percent. However, it also indicated that only one-third of all international students study at institutions accredited by Universities Canada.
