Canada’s International Student Policies Shift, Leaving Many Behind

The recent changes to Canada’s immigration policies for international students have raised serious concerns about their future in the country. Many students, who once viewed Canada as a pathway to permanent residency, now face uncertainty and potential deportation after significant policy shifts implemented by the government.

In the past few years, Canada has welcomed a growing number of international students, with the number skyrocketing from 2 million in 2000 to over 6.4 million in 2022, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In the 2022/23 school year, international students constituted more than a fifth of Canada’s student population. However, changes in policy, particularly under the leadership of Immigration Minister Marc Miller, have shifted the landscape for these students dramatically.

Miller announced a two-year cap on international student visas beginning in January 2024, reducing the number of permits to approximately 360,000. This was part of a broader set of changes that also included stricter requirements for Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), which many international students rely on to remain in Canada after their studies. The government justified these changes as a means to protect students from exploitation and to address ongoing housing issues in Canada.

For many, like Adi Khaitan, a non-binary migrant student at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), the dream of building a life in Canada is now fraught with anxiety. Khaitan, who faced persecution in their home country of India, saw Canada as a refuge and an opportunity for a better future. They engaged in activism to support other migrant students facing similar struggles. Speaking on the challenges they encountered, Khaitan said, “I struggled a lot. I’ve gotten death threats from where I’m from.”

The financial burden of studying in Canada is considerable. International students pay, on average, over five times the tuition fees of their Canadian peers, with costs reaching around $38,000 annually for undergraduates in the 2023/24 academic year. Despite contributing nearly $31 billion to Canada’s economy in 2022, the changing policies have left many students feeling exploited and unwelcome.

The initial welcoming stance of Canada towards international students has shifted. Policies initiated by previous governments aimed to integrate these students into the workforce post-graduation. Under the 2014 to 2019 International Education Strategy, the government actively encouraged international students to transition to permanent residency. This strategy has seen success, with more than 157,000 students becoming permanent residents in 2021 alone.

Yet, the recent clampdown suggests a significant policy reversal. The government’s rationale for these changes has sparked outrage among student groups and migrant organizations, who argue that international students should not bear the brunt of the housing crisis. “Instead of reducing the number of migrant students, governments should invest in campus housing or introduce rent control measures,” stated Jawad Chowdhury, a representative at MUN.

As the landscape for international students continues to evolve, the emotional toll is evident. Many students, pressured by financial burdens and academic expectations, face mental health challenges. Reports of suicides among international students have emerged, highlighting the severe consequences of neglecting their well-being. Kamal Bhardwaj, president of a funeral service handling the repatriation of deceased students, noted that the numbers of international student deaths have been increasing, often linked to the immense pressure these young individuals face.

The government’s recent policy changes have not only deterred prospective international students but have also left many current students scrambling to find alternative means to stay in Canada. By September 2024, approximately 70,000 to 130,000 migrant students may lose their status due to the new regulations. In response, nearly 13,000 international students applied for asylum, seeking a way to remain in the country they once hoped would be their home.

The situation continues to unfold as the government grapples with its obligations to international students and the broader implications of its policy decisions. As Canada re-evaluates its role as a destination for international education, the voices of students like Khaitan emphasize the urgent need for a compassionate approach that recognizes their contributions and aspirations.