International student permit cuts are pushing away prospective students, experts say

Canada’s post-secondary institutions are facing a crisis due to the federal government’s crackdown on international student visas. The new policy, which includes a 10% reduction in the number of visas issued, is causing concern among university and college administrators. The target for 2025 and 2026 is set at 437,000 permits, down from 485,000 in 2024.

Pari Johnston, the president of Colleges and Institute Canada, emphasized the importance of international students in sustaining many college programs. She explained that some programs, especially those in high-cost fields like trades and healthcare, rely on international students to fill the gaps left by Canadian students.

The restrictions on study permits and post-graduation work permits are also creating challenges for colleges and universities. The tightening of work permit eligibility to match national labor market needs is seen as a setback by Johnston, who believes that Canada’s economy operates on a more regional basis.

Alan Shepard, the president of Western University, highlighted the value of international students in bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to the classroom. He expressed concerns that limiting opportunities for international students could hinder innovation and growth in Canada.

Meti Basiri, the CEO of ApplyBoard, a platform connecting international students with post-secondary institutions, noted a shift in student preferences away from Canada. According to Basiri, Canada is now the third choice for international students, behind the U.S. and U.K. The decrease in international study permits is projected to have a significant impact on the Canadian education sector.

The blame game between government officials and educational institutions continues, with Immigration Minister Marc Miller criticizing certain institutions as diploma mills. Johnston pushed back against Miller’s remarks, calling them harmful and unfair to the entire sector.

Miller defended his comments, stating that changes are necessary to ensure the quality of education provided by post-secondary institutions. He also pointed out the importance of provincial government funding in supporting colleges and universities.

Ontario’s freeze on domestic student tuition since 2018-19 has been a point of contention, with Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy attributing the situation to federal mismanagement of the immigration system. Despite the challenges, the province remains committed to keeping tuition frozen until 2027.

The financial strain on post-secondary institutions is a growing concern, with Shepard highlighting the difficulty of maintaining quality education with limited resources. The ongoing debate between federal and provincial authorities underscores the complex issues facing Canada’s education system.