Canada introduces new immigration measures that impact UofT’s international student community
On November 12, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, made a statement regarding the new measures taken by the federal government to reduce the percentage of temporary residents in Canada from 6.5 percent to 5 percent by 2026.
This was prompted by the government’s desire to preserve the integrity and sustainability of Canada’s immigration system. By doing this, the federal government aims to strengthen the quality of the current temporary residents’ programs. These new policies directly affect international students at UofT since students’ eligibility requirements to study in Canada have been further restricted.
Miller’s statement supplements the previous measures passed in January 2024, which imposed a cost-of-living requirement for study permits. By 2026, the cap on the number of international students enrolled in each post-secondary institution will be reduced by ten percent. Previously, this restriction only affected undergraduate students, but from 2025 onwards, master’s and doctoral students will no longer be exempt. International students are now limited to 24 hours of off-campus work per week. More limits on Post Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) have been imposed on graduates of public college programs. They are only eligible for a PGWP if their study area is linked to a high labour market demand and if they have completed a minimum language proficiency in English or French.
Rhonda McEwen, President of Victoria University, met with Marc Miller along with other university presidents as a part of the Universities Canada lobbying group. They acknowledged the measures’ negative impact on international students and advocated for alternative models. The group raised the option of alternative models that could reduce the negative impact on prospective international students.
McEwen expressed her concern regarding the mental health and well-being of international students in an interview with The Strand. “I was an international student. I can’t imagine what it would feel like with all the geopolitical drama that’s happening right now, all of it is affecting universities,” says McEwen. She and other university presidents have also lobbied the federal government arguing the new policies would create an image that Canada has negative views and hostile environment towards international students. McEwen fears that not only will this affect international students, but this policy will also take a toll on the university’s reputation, as UofT’s attractiveness to international students will decrease.
Meanwhile, McEwen aims to support students of Victoria University. The registrar acknowledges the late arrival of some international students and offers aid to ensure they have enough resources to attend to their studies. McEwen mentioned that there will be a second orientation in January 2024 for those who did not attend the fall orientation due to a delayed arrival. Furthermore, Victoria College’s residences will be open during winter break. As one of the few colleges to implement this notable change, McEwen states that this will reduce the trouble international students have found a residence during the two-week break. The registrar’s office has kept track of international students to ensure they receive adequate support.
With files from Karim Arif.
