As we know, IRCC is working to finalize the details of placing the cap on international students allowed to enter Canada to deal with a housing crisis.
According to IRCC Canada, different options are considered by the high officials of the Canadian immigration department to ease and frame the study visa program.
IRCC is implementing regulations regarding the number of international students entering Canada. While the specifics are still being determined, it is confirmed that IRCC is exploring measures to limit the intake of international students.
Marc Miller wants to welcome around 900,000 international students to Canada in 2023. While this growth has benefited the education industry and rental market, it has heightened the ongoing housing crisis.
Soon, the IRCC may announce plans to limit the number of international students in 2024 as part of their annual immigration levels plan announcement in November-December 2023.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has emphasized that blaming any particular group, such as international students, is not the solution. However, all options are being considered.
IRCC compiled a report on the thoughts and expectations of stakeholders regarding the possibility of placing a cap on international students, which are given below.
IRCC’s Possible Options Regarding Placing Cap On International Students
Here are some possible options.
1. Increasing The Quality Will Automatically Reduce Quantity
Some education groups propose raising the language proficiency score and academic grades required for previous education instead of setting a limit. It will naturally decrease the number of students who qualify for study permits, resulting in Canada obtaining high-quality talent.
However, Canada has recently lowered the IELTS Academic requirement for the Student Direct Stream and approved four new tests, which will significantly increase applications.
To reduce the number of eligible applicants worldwide, Canada may reconsider its policy of accepting lower language proficiency scores in IELTS and raise the bar higher than previously.
2. International Students Accommodation Specific Cap
Canada may limit the enrollment of international students in designated learning institutions (DLIs) due to the housing crisis. Admissions for international students, who make up 60-80% of the student body, should be based on the availability of hostel accommodations or arrangements for outside accommodation by the institution.
Sean Fraser emphasized that DLIs must ensure international students have enough nearby accommodation options. Institutions with a significant imbalance between the number of enrolled students and available spaces should be scrutinized. Tough questions need to be asked in these cases.
3. Provincial Cap On Foreign Students
There have been various reactions from Canadian provinces since the announcement of a cap on international students. Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and Saskatchewan are not concerned about the number of international students entering their provinces.
Their residents have openly expressed their disapproval of the option to limit international students. In Canada, the provinces oversee designated learning institutions (DLIs), while the federal government department, IRCC, handles study visa applications.
The federal government may consider imposing a cap on international students based on their chosen province of study, but this will require extensive work and time-consuming feedback from the provinces.
4. Strict Rules For Private Colleges
Canadian public universities may not be affected by the capping of international students, as they generally have better infrastructure than private colleges.
In a recent interview about this issue, Marc Miller emphasized the need to take action against institutions that scam students and their programs. He acknowledged that while some legitimately make money, others are gaming the system and compromising its integrity.
Miller clarified that his main concern is private colleges that have grown up in various parts of Canada rather than public universities.
Sean Fraser, the current Housing Minister and former Immigration Minister added that identifying and separating good private institutions from bad ones will be a significant focus of his work with Miller.
So, it is all about IRCC’s Possible Options Of Cap On International Students.
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Source:- immigrationnewscanada.ca
