Educational institutions and stakeholders are voicing their concerns following the federal government’s announcement in January to cap the number of international students that can come study in Canada at 350,000 over the next two years.
Sébastien Lebel-Grenier, vice-chancellor and principal of Bishop’s University (B.U.), called the announcement “unfortunate” because it’s going to make it challenging for candidates to make it on time to B.U. for the start of their program.
Lebel-Grenier explained that there is currently a freeze on study permits for prospective international students as the federal government discusses how individual caps with be implemented amongst the provinces and territories, which is creating uncertainty for students.
According to the announcement from the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the goal with the cap is to help address issues within the international student system and to relieve pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services.
