International students in Canada cross 1-million mark, Indians highest at 37%

International students in Canada cross 1-million mark, Indians highest at 37%

In 2023, the number of international students holding study permits in Canada surpassed one million for the first time. The number exceeded even the estimates, The Globe and Mail reported.

According to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the year-end tally reached 1,028,850, exceeding the earlier IRCC estimate of 949,000 for the same period.

The number shows a significant increase in the study permit holder population in Canada in comparison to the previous year.

The distribution of study permit holders across provinces revealed that Ontario had 526,015, British Columbia housed 202,565, and Quebec had 117,925 international students.

INDIANS LARGEST GROUP OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 

Among the international students, those from India constituted the largest national cohort, comprising 37% of the 579,075 permits issued until November 2023. This figure, however, marked a decrease from the 41% in 2022.

Interestingly, the surge in Indian students studying in Canada has been substantial over the past five years, rising from 107,070 in 2018 to the current figure.

However, recent statements by Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, indicate a decline in study permits issued to Indian students due to bilateral tensions.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s mention of “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in September 2023 strained relations. The subsequent withdrawal of 41 diplomats by India in October further impacted diplomatic ties, affecting the issuance of study permits.

Additionally, the housing affordability crisis in Canada contributed to a decrease in applications from India, falling from 190,419 between July and November 2022 to 120,096 during the same period in 2023.

CANADA’S NEW MEASURES FOR INTERNATIONALSTUDENTS

To address concerns about the increasing volume of newcomers, Canada implemented new measures for international students. Effective January 1, 2024, new study permit applicants are required to demonstrate financial capacity by showing CA$20,635, a significant increase from the previous requirement of CA$10,000.

Furthermore, in December 2023, the IRCC announced that designated learning institutions (DLIs) would be obligated to verify the acceptance letters of each applicant through the IRCC, emphasising the need for a discussion on the impact of rising student numbers in certain areas, as stated by Minister Miller in October 2023.

As Canada continues to navigate the challenges posed by the influx of international students, these policy changes aim to strike a balance between accommodating students and addressing concerns about the sheer volume of newcomers to the country.