Canada to cut number of international students to tackle housing crisis

Miller expressed concerns about the escalating volume of international students, describing the current system as “out of control.”

Although the extent of the reduction is unspecified, Miller plans to address the issue with provincial counterparts. Canada, relying on immigration to boost its economy and support an aging population, is a favored destination for international students due to its relatively accessible work permit process.

The Liberal government had previously floated the idea of capping foreign student visas in August, but a final decision was pending. The discussions come amid declining popularity for Trudeau’s Liberals, facing criticism for inadequately managing the housing problem, with opposition Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre gaining ground in polls.

As per official figures, there were more than 800,000 foreign students in Canada with active visas in 2022, up from 275,000 in 2012.

Recent revelations from The Canadian Press, drawing on internal documents acquired through an access to information request, indicate that public servants cautioned the federal government two years ago about the potential impact of its ambitious immigration goals on housing affordability.

The Liberals have established targets to welcome 485,000 immigrants this year and aim for 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026.

Temporary residents, predominantly consisting of international students and migrant workers, further contribute to the situation, with over 300,000 arriving in Canada during the third quarter of the previous year.