Canada eyes cap on international students as housing demand Surges

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CANADA, Jan 15: In response to mounting criticism over a housing affordability crisis, Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed that Canada is contemplating imposing a cap on the number of international students allowed to reside in the country. This potential move comes as the government grapples with the challenges posed by a surge in migration, including international students, impacting housing demand amid a slowdown in construction.

Canada relies on immigration to fuel its economy and support an aging population, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to increase annual immigration rates. However, the housing crisis has been attributed, in part, to the influx of migrants and international students, intensifying demand for housing.

Speaking in a taped interview with CTV Question Period, Miller acknowledged the need to address the situation and stated that the Liberal government is considering implementing a cap on international students during the first and second quarters of the current year. He expressed concern over the current volume of international students, describing it as a system that has “gotten out of control.”

While Miller did not specify the extent of the reduction in international students being considered, official data indicates a significant rise in the number of foreign students with active visas—from 275,000 in 2012 to over 800,000 in 2022.

Canada has been a sought-after destination for international students, given the relatively straightforward process of obtaining a work permit upon completion of studies. The idea of capping the number of foreign student visas was initially floated by the Liberal government in August, although Housing Minister Sean Fraser emphasized that a decision had not been reached at that time.

Miller intends to engage with provincial counterparts to discuss potential solutions to the housing crisis. The Liberal government, led by Trudeau, has faced declining popularity after more than eight years in office, with the official opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, criticizing the government’s handling of the housing issue. The interview with Miller is scheduled to be aired on Sunday, shedding light on the government’s considerations and plans to address the ongoing challenges.

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