A cloud of crisis is hanging over the future of foreign students studying in Canada. There are about 700,000 foreign students who may have to leave Canada next year. The reason is that lines of concern are being drawn on the foreheads of students whose work permits are expiring.
The Canadian government has decided to reduce the number of international student permits. Student permits will be reduced by 35% in 2024 and a further 10% reduction is targeted in 2025. The purpose of these policy changes is to maintain a balance between the challenges of student enrollment and accommodation.
Foreign students will be affected
As of May 2023, there were over one million foreign students in Canada. Of which 396,235 hold post-graduation work permits. This number is three times higher than in 2018. However, a large number of post-graduation work permits are set to expire next year. Due to which the difficulties of students hoping for permanent residence are increasing. Students from Punjab have demonstrated in Brampton to protest the policy changes. They believe these changes are affecting their chances of staying in Canada and obtaining permanent residency.
There are about 700,000 foreign students who may have to leave Canada next year.
Most immigrants will leave Canada after the permit expires
Canadian immigration officials expect most immigrants to leave Canada after their permits expire. Canada's Immigration Minister Mark Miller reported earlier this week that 700,000 of the 500,000 permits expiring are for foreign students who currently face challenges due to the Trudeau government's anti-immigrant policies.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Students residing in Canada by filing false documents will be strictly investigated
Temporary work permits are usually issued for a period of 9 months to 3 years. This work permit is given to foreign students with a diploma or degree to gain the experience needed to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Miller has said that a large number of students are applying to live in Canada, which is worrisome. Therefore, we will scrutinize these applications strictly and weed out false applicants.
By the end of 2025, around 5 million people may have to leave the country
However, this decision of Trudeau is being opposed in his own country. Conservative leader Pierre Polivert has criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's policies, saying they have created hardships for temporary residents and are not benefiting the country. He also said that by the end of 2025, around 5 million people may have to leave the country.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
