Canada’s Immigration Minister: Sustainable International Student Visa

By Visa Jobs CanadaJune 27, 2025June 27, 2025International Students & GraduatesCanada immigration, international students, sustainable policies, visa sponsorship, work permits

Canada is buzzing with activity when it comes to immigration, especially for international students. This summer, consultations will kick off to shape the country’s three-year immigration plan, aiming to balance entry levels of temporary residents, including those studying in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Lena Metlege Diab highlights that international students play a key role in our communities and economy, and their interests will be considered during these discussions.

In her role, Minister Diab expressed the importance of involving both university officials and students in the planning process. “We’re talking about people here,” she said, reflecting on how many regions rely on universities for their economic stability. It’s essential to ensure that while the system accommodates newcomers, it also remains sustainable for Canadians.

The recent Throne Speech by Prime Minister Mark Carney mentioned plans to cap the number of temporary foreign workers and international students to less than five per cent of Canada’s population by 2027. The goal? To attract top talent necessary for driving our economy forward while ensuring that immigration rates remain manageable.

We’re experiencing “unprecedented growth” in Canada’s population, with many newcomers arriving on temporary or permanent visas. According to Statistics Canada, our population has recently hit 40 million, largely due to an influx of international students and workers. In fact, the number of international students nearly doubled within five years, from around 567,000 to over a million, marking significant growth in Canada’s educational landscape.

However, as exciting as this growth is, it brings challenges, particularly concerning housing and infrastructure. To tackle these issues, the government has adjusted national immigration levels, leading to a decrease in the number of new temporary and permanent residents.

While Nova Scotia, where Minister Diab previously served, welcomes many international students, there are concerns about students being exploited by certain institutions. Recently, issues of immigration fraud involving student visas have surfaced, prompting new regulations to safeguard the International Student Program. These changes require designated learning institutions to verify applicants’ acceptance letters, protecting students from misleading practices.

In 2024, tighter regulations will also apply, making it more challenging to obtain study permits. The financial requirement for international students has increased significantly, and some fast-track application options have been discontinued. These new barriers could affect the overall appeal of studying in Canada.

Despite these changes, Minister Diab remains committed to ensuring international students feel valued and secure while studying here. “Canada is a welcoming country,” she emphasized, and her passion for supporting students demonstrates a commitment to improving their experiences in our educational institutions.