Canada to reduce number of foreign students due to housing crisis

The Minister of Canada Immigration, Minister Marc Miller has spoken out on the housing affordability crisis in the country. The Minister according to a CTV report said the housing affordability crisis is a result of migrants and international students migrating into the country annually.

Consequently, Miller disclosed that the Canadian government is looking towards putting a limit on foreign students in the first and second quarters this year. The liberal government came up with the idea after facing a lot of criticism regarding the crisis. Also, polls are placing them behind the conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre after more than eight years in office.

However, the Minister did not mention how many students the government will be considering this year. Meanwhile, official data indicated that there were more than 800,000 foreign students with active visas in 2022. This figure indicates a huge spike considering how there were only 275,000 foreign students in Canada in 2012.

The influx of foreign students into Canada according to some experts, has made the price of housing unaffordable to the people at large. Presently, Miller is planning to discuss the issue with provincial counterparts. On the flip side, the Housing minister, Sean Fraser made it known that the government had not yet made a decision on whether to pursue that option.

How Canada Increased Cost-of-living Requirements for Foreign Students

Additionally, It is worth mentioning that the Canadian government in recent times has intensified its effort to control the inflow of foreign students. Recently, Marc Miller announced the increment of cost-of-living financial requirements for study permit applicants. The increment is targeted at international students to control their rising numbers in Canada.

Further, the cost-of-living financial requirement according to Miller will soar up to $20,000 from $10,000 starting from January 1, 2024. The Minister revealed that the hike is to ensure that international students are financially set to get more education in Canada. Also, Miller stated that it will as well help prevent student vulnerability and exploitation. 

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