Canada to Reduce Student Permits by 35% in 2024

Canada has announced significant reductions in the issuance of international student permits, cutting the intake by 35% in 2024 and an additional 10% in 2025. These measures aim to curb abuse of the immigration system and manage the influx of temporary residents, sparking concerns among Canadian educational institutions about potential budget impacts and damage to Canada's reputation as a premier education destination. The new regulations also tighten eligibility for work permits, including restrictions on the Post-Graduate Work Permit program and spousal work permits for certain students. This policy shift is expected to drive many prospective students, particularly from India, to seek alternative study destinations. Canada's government has defended the changes as necessary to maintain the integrity of its immigration system and address challenges such as housing affordability and strain on public services. The cuts come amid political pressures and declining public support for high immigration levels, with the Trudeau administration facing upcoming federal elections.