Canada Gives only a two year slot to Nigeria and other International Students, with a Visa Study Permit reduced by 35 Per Cent.
For many aspiring students around the world, studying in Canada represents a golden opportunity – a chance to pursue top-tier education and potentially build a successful future. However, a recent decision by the Canadian government has thrown a curveball into these dreams, with a significant reduction in admission slots for international students, including Nigerians.
On January 23, 2024, the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced a temporary cap on international student permits. This cap translates to a 35% decrease in approved study permits for 2024 compared to 2023, impacting all international students.
The Canadian government cites several reasons for this drastic measure.
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- The influx of international students has contributed to a surge in housing demand, pushing prices beyond the reach of many Canadians and impacting affordability.
- The rapid growth in the international student population has placed pressure on educational institutions and community resources, leading to concerns about quality and sustainability.
The government aims to ensure that international students contribute to the Canadian workforce through relevant skills and qualifications, rather than simply seeking temporary study permits. Canada has been considered a home to Nigerian students, with thousands pursuing degrees in various fields. This reduction in admission slots will undoubtedly impact Nigerian students, making it more challenging to secure coveted study permits.
According to the information supplied by IRCC, the cap for 2024 is expected to result in around 360,000 issued study permits, a 35% fall from 2023 figures.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC), announced on Monday a temporary cap on the issuing of study visas for international students.
The statement continued: As we work to better protect international students from bad actors and support sustainable population growth in Canada, the government is moving forward with measures to stabilize the number of international students in Canada.
He further stressed that the decision was necessary and would benefit the students as the number of international students in the country continues to grow. According to him, some universities have significantly increased their admissions to promote revenue, and more students are arriving in Canada without the required support to succeed.