Dear Mr Brown,

I heard that the Canadian Government will be capping study permits. I think that will be devastating based on the high refusal rates during the pandemic. This will limit the opportunities for Jamaicans to pursue studies overseas. When will the cap start and what will be the target number of international students?

—DT

Dear DT:

Due to the issue of rising housing costs, the Canadian Government is considering a cap for foreign student permits. However, it is important to note that a final decision has not be made at this time.

Housing market concerns

The current housing crisis is a complex problem rooted in underinvestment in social housing in general and the explosive growth in international students recruited to Canada in recent years in particular.

Official data show there were more than 800,000 foreign students with active visas in 2022, up from 275,000 in 2012. Canada set a target of approximately 240,000-450,000 by 2022.

Although Canada offers a flexible education policy, work opportunities, and easier postgraduation immigration possibilities, the Government will examine curbing the number of international students while cracking down on institutions exploiting them amid a housing crisis.

Critics have accused many private educational institutions of merely trying to profit off vulnerable international students rather than provide quality education. For example, some schools have five to six times as many students enrolled as they have spaces for, yet still seek to increase recruitment and enrolments without any consideration regarding housing. Perhaps addressing the private institutions will be prioritised. Another area could be focusing on the number of Indian students which comprise the vast majority of international students.

I understand your concern, but I think we have to monitor the Government’s response and corresponding visa approval rates before jumping to conclusions.

Please visit JAMAICA2CANADA.COM for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programmes, including Express Entry, The Study & Work programme, Visas or Appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and an accredited Canadian education agent of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM—a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to documents.jamaica2canada@gmail.com