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Canada to Reduce International Student Intake by 10% in 2025; See Reasons

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 20th, 2024.

Canada to Reduce International Student Intake by 10% in 2025; See Reasons

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a 10% decrease in the intake of international students starting in 2025. This change will lower the number of new study permits issued from a projected 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000.

In a post on X late Wednesday, Trudeau explained that the decision is necessary for the country’s well-being. He stated, “This year, we’re granting 35% fewer international student permits, and next year, that figure will drop by another 10%. While immigration benefits our economy, we must act against those who exploit the system.”

Additionally, Canada will restrict work permits for spouses of master’s degree students to only those enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months. This limitation will also apply to spouses of foreign workers in sectors experiencing labor shortages.

Further adjustments are planned for the post-graduation work permit program to better align with immigration strategies and labor market needs. The federal government aims to reduce the proportion of temporary residents in Canada from 6.2% to 5% over the next three years. Earlier, a cap on study permits was introduced to limit international student numbers, approving 364,000 undergraduate permits in 2024, which represents a 35% reduction from 2023.

Canada relies heavily on economic immigrants to generate the revenue necessary for funding social services like education and healthcare, especially given the country’s low birth rate.