Canada Implements Two-Year Cap on International Student Visas
Canada has announced a two-year cap on the number of foreign students admitted to the country in an effort to address housing and healthcare pressures. The cap will result in a 35% decrease in approved study permits, with each province and territory receiving a portion based on population and current student intake. The measures aim to protect students from "bad actors" and ensure the "integrity" of the system, while also addressing the increasingly unaffordable housing market. The cap represents a significant shift in policy for Canada, which has historically relied on open immigration to fill job vacancies and address its aging workforce.