Ottawa, Canada:  The number of international students heading to Canada has seen a dramatic decline, reaching levels not seen before. In August, the number of foreign students arriving in Canada fell by 60% compared to the same month last year.

Experts attribute this sharp reduction to the Canadian government’s stricter immigration policies. Compared to last year, this year’s figures show a significant 60% decrease in international student arrivals.

Changes introduced in 2023 to student visas and temporary work permits are considered a major factor behind this reduction. Analysts point out that stricter eligibility rules and more restrictive visa issuance have created this situation.

In early 2024, the Canadian authorities introduced a cap on the number of student visas to ease pressures on housing and public infrastructure. The annual limit was set at 360,000 study permits. Earlier this year, the limit was further reduced by 10%, contributing to the steep fall in arrivals.

Additionally, the government has mandated verification of all acceptance letters to curb visa fraud. Financial requirements for obtaining a visa have also been made stricter. Officials emphasise that these measures are not aimed at creating financial barriers for students in Canada.

The visa processing timeline has slowed significantly, which has also contributed to the reduction in numbers. Government data show that only 45,380 international students travelled to Canada in August this year, compared to 117,400 in the previous year, highlighting the impact of the tougher rules.

Despite the decline, the Canadian government has clarified that it is not trying to block migration. The policy focus remains on encouraging migration in a controlled and sustainable way that aligns with labour market demands.