Canada is exploring the possibility of curbing the number of international students and addressing institutions that may be exploiting them, as the country faces a housing crisis that could impact Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s political standing.
Among the approximately 800,000 international students in Canada, the largest group comes from India, particularly Punjab. Canada’s flexible education policies, work opportunities, post-graduation immigration pathways, and a significant Punjabi population have made it an attractive destination for young Punjabi students.
Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities Minister Sean Fraser mentioned that considering a cap on international student numbers is one option being explored. He expressed concerns about institutions exploiting international students for profit rather than providing quality education. He emphasized that institutions benefiting from large numbers of international students should also contribute to housing solutions as Canada’s rental market becomes more constrained.
The housing crisis has become a significant political issue, with the ruling Liberal Party trailing behind the opposition Conservative Party in recent polls. The growing number of international students has contributed to higher rental costs, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment reaching CA$2078 (approximately ₹1.29 lakh) in July. Vancouver experienced the highest prices, averaging CA$3000 (about ₹1.86 lakh) for one-bedroom accommodation.
In 2022, out of the 549,570 study permits issued, 226,000 were given to Indian nationals. Discussions are ongoing to differentiate between reputable institutions attracting students for valid reasons and those that may be exploiting them. This scrutiny aims to ensure that students receive quality education and are not taken advantage of in pursuit of profits.