Canada Slashes International Student Visas by 35% Amid Housing Crisis

Canada announced a 35% reduction in new international student visas for 2025, capping permits at 360,000. The move addresses public anger over housing shortages and rising rents, which polls link to population growth driven by migrants (1.3 million newcomers in 2023).

Policy Details

• Provincial Caps: Ontario and British Columbia face 50% cuts due to exploitation of “diploma mill” colleges.

• Work Restrictions: Students can now work only 20 hours/week (down from 40), with stricter post-graduation work visa rules.

  
  

Reactions

• Universities: The University of Toronto warns of lost revenue ($2.7 billion annually from international tuition).

• Students: Protests erupt in Vancouver, citing broken promises of residency pathways.

  
  

Broader ImplicationsThe policy risks Canada’s reputation as a welcoming destination and could worsen labor gaps in healthcare and tech, where immigrants fill 33% of jobs.