Dear Mr Brown:

I heard from my friend who is studying in Canada that the international student enrollment will be down a lot due to a cap on study permits. I am still interested in studying at college in Canada in September or January. I would like your assistance.

– AR

Dear AR:

International students are a major contributor to Canada’s economic growth and there will be significant widespread negative economic impact.

A college education provides a smoother transition for new immigrants to settle in Canada based on practical, rather than theoretical education. College programmes are designed and developed, in part, based on the support and feedback from employers and industries. Employers generally wish to hire students who have relevant career-related work experience. In this regard, college programmes are focused on how knowledge and skills are applied in the workplace.

The number of study permit holders in Canada has tripled in the past decade, from 300,000 in 2013 to 900,000 last year due to aggressive recruiting by the post-secondary education sector and by unregulated foreign agents. Canada’s highly valued international education programme has gradually eroded. Also due to a housing shortage, the temporary two-year cap on study permits was announced in late January 2024.

Sheridan College

Sheridan College is one institution that started limiting the school’s international student growth several years ago and investing in building capacity to support them through programmes in housing, food security, mental health, peer mentoring and entrance scholarships.

Sheridan has tried to find a healthy balance when it comes to international students. The college decided to put any further international enrolment growth on hold while building bridges to seek solutions with students, community organisations and faith groups. Between 2018 and 2023, the school’s international enrolment grew by only six per cent. In 2022-23, international students accounted for 39 per cent of the overall enrolment, compared to the college system’s average of 55 per cent.

In addition to its 1,200 beds in residence in Oakville and Brampton, it has partnered with others to build a homestay network and shared spaces, and is exploring master leasing to secure safe housing for students. It has also rolled out food security programmes on campuses.

Upcoming seminar

Sheridan College is one of Canada’s top destinations. I would like to introduce a scholarship initiative by Sheridan College in Brampton, Mississauga, and Oakville, Ontario, which is close to Toronto. Students who are citizens of Jamaica and registering in the certain programmes may receive an entrance scholarship up to CAD$2,000.00.

As the local agent of Sheridan, I will be hosting a seminar on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 1:00 pm. It is open to the general public. Should you be interested, you may speak with a Sheridan representative about the programmes, as well as learn about scholarships, study permits, work permits and applying for permanent residence.

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