International students reportedly held protests across Canada this week over the nation's immigration policies amid concerns that over 70K students could face deportation at the end of this year when their work permits are up.

CityNews Toronto

The demonstrations — held across provinces including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia — come as the government scrapped a short-term COVID-era rule on Wednesday that allowed visitors to apply for work permits without having to leave the country.

NDTV

Global News

This follows other immigration amendments, with the government prohibiting foreign nationals from applying for a Post-Graduate Work Permit  (PGWP) at the US-Canada border in June. In 2021, Canada abolished the PGWP for foreign students.

Vanguardngr

In January, it also placed a two-year cap on foreign student visas, which Immigration Minister Marc Miller estimates will cut enrollments in 2023 by 35% to 365K compared to last year.

Dailyhive

This comes amid a broader effort to limit immigration, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing new restrictions on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program on Monday, adding that the government is considering a cap on permanent residents.

On Thursday, Canada's immigration department released new data showing that as of July 31, the number of citizenship, immigration, and visa applications under review stands at a record over 2.3M, with a backlog of over 1M.

Immigration News Canada

Over 70K international students are reportedly protesting in Canada against an immigration policy change, envisaging their deportation at the end of this year.

The students are reportedly demonstrating across provinces like Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia against the policy changes.

NDTV #

In 2021, Canada had abolished the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) that let foreign students work in the country after completing their studies.

Vanguardngr #

Last year, it placed a two-year cap on foreign student visas. In June, the government announced that foreign nationals can't apply for a PGWP at the border.

The Justin Trudeau government has also decided to limit permanent residency nominations, badly affecting foreign students eyeing a life in Canada.

This nearly 35% cut in new study permits comes amid a crisis in Canada's housing, healthcare, and other public services, intensified by a foreign students' influx.

Canada's international student program has exploded, with numbers skyrocketing from over 122K in 2000 to nearly 900K in 2023. This is straining housing, infrastructure, and healthcare. Many now view the program as a path to work and citizenship rather than education. The government's policies have encouraged this shift, allowing increased work hours and easier paths to residency. To address these issues, Canada must limit foreign student influx, refocus on education over employment, and discourage using the program as an immigration shortcut. This would ease domestic pressures and better serve both Canada and students' home countries.

Financial Post

Financial Post #

Cap Foreign Students Doesnt Go Far Enoug

Canada's move to limit foreign students seems unfair, given the immense value they bring to the country. These students contribute an estimated $30B annually to the economy, supporting over 1,6K educational institutions and boosting local economies. However, many international students face significant challenges upon arrival, including exorbitant tuition fees, housing difficulties, and limited job prospects. By restricting student numbers, Canada risks damaging its reputation and denying opportunities to talented individuals seeking a better future. This approach appears to prioritize short-term concerns over the long-term benefits of cultural exchange and economic growth.

Vancouver Sun

Vancouver Sun #

Douglas Todd Foreign Student Dreams Being Crushed In Greedy Canad

There is a 72% chance that the Conservative Party will win the most seats in the next Canadian federal election, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

Metaculus2

Most Seats Won in 45th Canadian Election

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Canada: Protests Erupt Against Student Deportation Policy

Canada

Education

Immigration & refugees

Canada's international student program has exploded, with numbers skyrocketing from over 122K in 2000 to nearly 900K in 2023. This is straining housing, infrastructure, and healthcare. Many now view the program as a path to work and citizenship rather than education. The government's policies have encouraged this shift, allowing an unsustainable strain on the nation's housing, infrastructure, and healthcare. Canada has no choice but to limit the influx of foreign students.

Canada's move to limit foreign students is unfair, given the immense value they bring to the country. These students contribute an estimated $30B annually to the economy, supporting over 1.6K educational institutions and boosting local economies. However, many international students face significant challenges upon arrival, including exorbitant tuition fees and limited job prospects. This approach prioritizes short-term concerns over the long-term benefits of cultural exchange and economic growth.

Canada: Student Protests Held Over Immigration Policy Scrapping

Canada: Student Protests EruptHeld AgainstOver StudentImmigration DeportationPolicy PolicyScrapping

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Canada: Student Protests Held Over Immigration Policy Scrapping

Canada: Student Protests EruptHeld AgainstOver StudentImmigration DeportationPolicy PolicyScrapping

The Spin

Metaculus Prediction

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