Toronto, Jan 26, (V7N) - In a move to address the growing pressure on public services, particularly health and housing, the Canadian government has announced a significant reduction in the number of international student visas issued for 2024. According to a report by Reuters, the Canadian Ministry of Immigration confirmed on January 25 that the country will approve 437,000 international students this year, marking a 10% decrease from the previous year's approval numbers.

The announcement follows a surge in immigration to Canada in recent years, which has led to a housing crisis in major cities. The influx of immigrants and foreign students has placed significant strain on the country's housing market, particularly in metropolitan areas like Toronto and Vancouver. As a result, the Canadian government had already reduced the number of international students in 2023, and it seems the trend will continue into 2024.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is expected to step down in March, has pledged to reduce immigration levels. Public sentiment toward immigration has been shifting, with recent polls showing growing opposition to high levels of immigration and foreign students. Critics argue that the increasing number of international students has contributed to escalating housing prices and the tightening of job markets for Canadian citizens.

In 2023, Canada approved over 600,000 international students, making it one of the top destinations for foreign students, especially from developing countries like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The rise in student visa approvals has been dramatic, with the number of active student visa holders reaching 1 million in 2023, a sharp increase from just 275,000 in 2012.

Canada has long been a popular choice for international students due to its high-quality education system and diverse multicultural society. However, as more students arrive, the strain on public services and infrastructure has become evident, leading to policy shifts aimed at managing the flow of newcomers.

In addition to the visa reduction, Canada has also implemented stricter financial requirements for international students. In early 2023, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino announced that students applying for study permits would need to show significantly higher amounts of money in their bank accounts. Previously, students were required to demonstrate CAD 10,000 in living expenses, but this amount was raised to CAD 20,635 to reflect the rising cost of living in Canada.

The Canadian government has stated that these changes are necessary to ensure that international students can support themselves adequately during their stay, as the cost of housing and daily expenses continues to rise. The new financial requirements have made it more difficult for some prospective students to meet the criteria for studying in Canada.

In a statement, Mendicino emphasized that the government’s focus is on ensuring that students have sufficient financial resources to thrive while studying in Canada, without placing undue strain on local communities. Despite the tougher restrictions, Canada remains an attractive destination for international students, who contribute significantly to the country’s economy through tuition fees and living expenses.

While the Canadian government is making these adjustments to curb the number of incoming students, it is still likely that Canada will continue to be a leading choice for students globally. However, prospective international students may need to adjust their plans and budgets to accommodate the new visa and financial requirements.

Overall, this policy shift is part of Canada's broader efforts to manage its growing population and address concerns about housing shortages, public service pressures, and the changing political climate surrounding immigration.

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