The Canadian government’s newly introduced cap on permits leaves International students wondering if they should be concerned about new changes
Ana X. Lima (She/Her) // Contributor
Cameron Skorulski (He/Him) // Illustrator
The Canadian government announced a reduction in the number of permits issued to international students entering the country on Jan. 22, 2024. They stated that the current permits and their renewals will not be impacted by these changes.
Approximately 360,000 student permits will be issued, representing a decrease of up to 35 per cent compared to last year. This has raised concerns among many universities, schools, and international student agencies about the potential impact, given the substantial number of students arriving from other countries. According to The British Columbia Federation of Students (BCFS), in Canada, 20 per cent of the student population is international. Despite this figure being relatively low in comparison to domestic students, international students contribute to approximately 50 per cent of the fee revenue. Adding that this goes beyond just fairness, there’s a call to provide additional protection for international students.
At a recent President’s Perspective meeting, CapU president Paul Dangerfield emphasized that this will pose a challenge for all, yet it stands as a solution to a broader issue not directly tied to institutions like CapU. Rather, it stems from the escalating interest of students in Canada, creating a scenario where certain businesses view it as an opportunity. These businesses, as he pointed out, mislead students by pledging a certain standard of education in our country, only for the reality upon arrival to fall far short of those assurances. This, he asserted, is a significant problem that needs addressing. “I won’t even give them the benefit of calling them colleges or institutes, but businesses,” said Dangerfield.
One of the most frequently mentioned concerns by university students and the BCFS has been whether the tuition fees for international students will be affected, ensuring that this new rule does not impact the financial income of universities and colleges. The BCFS have said that the government should provide protection for international students. The province asserts that these measures were designed to enhance the quality and accountability of educational institutions in British Columbia and that the recent decisions are aimed at preventing institutions from taking advantage of international students. From our president’s perspective, despite the current challenging situation for prospective students trying to enroll, CapU as an institution will not be adversely affected. He assures that once the restrictions are lifted, things will continue to move forward. “I’m pretty comfortable that as a university, we will be fine,” stated Dangerfield.
Some of the major changes announced include an elevation in the required bank account funds for entry into the country (excluding students from Quebec). With an increase of up to 50 per cent, the annual funds required in previous years were $10,000, excluding tuition; However, as of January 2024, the necessary amount has risen to $20,635 per year. Furthermore, the partners of those studying in undergraduate programs will no longer be eligible for work permits, which was previously allowed. Students will now be required to apply for a provincial attestation letter before submitting their study permit applications, among other modifications. More information about these changes is available on official government websites like www.canada.ca.
On the official website of the Government of Canada, there is a statement acknowledging the significant contributions of international students to campuses, communities, and the Canadian economy. However, it notes that this has led to unsustainable growth in international students in recent years. The announced reforms aim to support a more sustainable growth of the international student population and enhance the integrity of the system. It is emphasized that these reforms are intended to ensure that international students have a positive and enriching experience during their time in Canada.
In response to these changes, there has been a growing call for greater transparency and communication between the government, educational institutions, and the student community. Many people believe a collaborative approach is necessary to address the challenges posed by the reduction in student permits. Students express the need for clear guidelines and support mechanisms to successfully navigate these changes. As the educational landscape undergoes change and adjustment, there is also an opportunity for institutions to reevaluate and improve their support services for international students. “Now is our opportunity to intentionally address the issues in the post-secondary system to find long-term solutions that protect and meet the needs of students,” said the BCFS in a statement.