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Canada’s Student Visa Cap: A Closer Look-
Canada has been the first choice of every second international student. It ranks as the number one destination for international students. Canada has been facing threats to the integrity of international students. And also pressure on accommodation, health care and other services. The reason behind this is the rise in intakes by the institutes to earn more revenues. As a result, the number of international students increased without having proper support. So, the government announced a Cap on international students for the next 2 years. This cap will help the Canadian government to stabilize the country’s economy.
Yet, the Cap on International students is still a point of discussion. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons behind this policy. The impact of Cap on Canada’s status as a top choice for higher education.
First, let us discuss the meaning of Capping on international students in detail. Further, this will lead to knowing about the policy implications of the government.
What is Capping?
This means setting a quota or limit on the student visas approved in a certain period. In layman’s language cap means “to put a cover on”, here it means to put a cover on the approval of the student visas. It will exert quantitative control over the demographics of Canada. Thus, this leads to stabilizing the Canadian economy.
What are the reasons behind the Cap on international students?
The following are some of the reasons behind the implementation of the capping. according to the IRCC, the reasons are:
- Limited Supply of Resources-
When it comes to resources like housing and health Canada has limited resources. This policy will ensure that these limited resources are allocated efficiently. So, both natives and immigrants have adequate resources.
- To Sustain Quality Education-
Quality education is one of the measures students choose Canada for study. Yet, it is reducing due to the limited resources available in the institutes. And the number of students enrolled which will lead to a decrease in the quality of education.
- For Limiting Corruption in Institutions-
The Private Institutes have raised their intakes to make more and more revenue. There is an increase in the number of international students. These institutes have limited facilities and Faculty. Thus, this policy is to limit the Greedy Institutes. without giving proper support to the students.
- Impact on the Employment Sector-
The rise in the number of international students increases the load on the labour market. Thus, this policy is to provide equal opportunities to the students and the natives. So that country can reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.
When did the Government of Canada announce the Cap on International Students?
On 22nd January Marc Miller announced a Cap on international students for the next 2 years. This strategy is to reduce the rapid increase of international students. And also to stabilize the housing crisis in the country. Rather than target to housing crisis, he highlighted the problematic institutions. This aims to stop the exploitation of international students by private colleges. Now province will decide the permit distributions among the universities and colleges. Some of which may experience a 50% reduction in permits. The efficiency of the cap will be assessed, and any necessary changes will introduced.
- The two-year National Application of Cap on International Study Visas begins in 2024.
- The main aim is to stabilize the housing Crisis.
- Focuses on Problematic Institutions.
- Reducing the exploitation of international students.
- The province will decide the number of permit issues.
- At the end of the year, the evaluation there will be an evaluation of the cap and required changes will be made.
What are the effects of the Cap on International Students?
There are some effects on the current criteria of student visa applications. We will discuss below:
- Limited Number of Study Permits-
Canada has limited the number of approved applications to approximately 3,60,000 in 2024. And which is 35% down from 2023. As is the year 2023, the number of permits issued has risen 3 times the number expected in the last 10 years. Thus, to reduce the temporary stay permit Government implemented the Cap Policy.
- Provinces will approve permits-
With the implementation of this policy, Provinces will issue the work permits. These permits would based on the population of international students in that region. Thus, this would reduce the pressure on one place and help in the efficiency of resources.
- Rise in Competition-
After the Cap, there will be fewer seats available to international students. So, completion will likely increase among students who want to join Canadian institutes. They have to score well in academics and language eligibility to get their seat secured.
- Diversification in the Population of the Students-
The cap will result in a more diverse population. Students from different cultures and backgrounds can collaborate on an equal platform. This will enhance the academic and cultural landscape of Canada.
- Effect on Institutions-
The Cap on international students will lead to a rise in quality education not in quantity. They need to reshape the admission procedures, limits of enrollments and revenue sources. Hence, there will be a rise in the quality of education.
Which students are included in the Cap?
Those students enrolling for the Post-secondary level from 1 September 2024 are included in this Cap on international students. Students going for bachelor’s, certificate and diploma programs fall under this category.
For whom Cap is not a question of concern?
- Students going for the Master’s degree.
- Students going for any Doctoral degree.
- Elementary-level students are also not part of this cap.
- Secondary-level students are also excluded from this cap.
Thus, there is no effect of the cap on these study-level students. They can enroll according to the previous policies.
What are the changes made by the government after the announcement of Capping?
IRCC announced some changes in the admission criteria of the students. Also, this policy affected the PGWP (Post Graduate Work Permit). Let us discuss in detail:
- Need for Attestation Letter-
Students need an attestation letter from the province in which they have applied. The province will issue this letter according to the number of allocated permits. The expected date the provinces will issue the attestation letters is March 31, 2024.
- Changes in PGWP criteria-
- As of September 1, 2024 students who enroll in the study in the curriculum licensing. They will no longer be eligible for the Post Graduate Work Permit. Curriculum licensing means students attend public colleges per the Public Colleges. This acts as a loophole in PGWP eligibility criteria because they have less oversight than public colleges.
- The students enrolled in the Master’s program are eligible for the 3 years’ work permit. Under the current situation, they can apply only according to the length of the program they have chosen.
- Canada’s Open Spouse Work Permit to the Spouse of international students who are enrolled in masters and doctoral programs. Undergraduate, students are no longer eligible for the spouse work permit.
Recommendations for Indian Students:
- As the Competition rises, students need to highlight their academic excellence and relevant skills. Additionally, a compelling personal statement.
- Students should research other growing opportunities for study-abroad destinations.
- Students must keep an eye on the policy changes and stay informed about the new updates.
Being proactive, well-informed and prepared will help to overcome these policy obstacles.
Conclusion:
The cap on international students is still a part of debate and may have consequences. This policy aims at the stable economy and Canada’s long-term plans to attract students. Therefore, one must stay informed about future updates. Also, to understand the ultimate effect of this policy.
