TORONTO – International students at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) are increasingly apprehensive about recent shifts in Canada’s immigration policies, particularly the reduction in study permits and the tightening of regulations surrounding post-graduation work permits (PGWP). The changes, announced on September 18 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Marc Miller, have raised alarm within the international student community.
Reduction in Study Permits
Minister Miller disclosed a further 10 percent reduction in international study permits for the year 2025, following a significant 35 percent cut implemented for 2024. According to a press release from the IRCC, this reduction will stabilize the number of study permits at approximately 437,000 by 2026, a stark decrease from 485,000 in 2024.
This adjustment is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to reduce the percentage of temporary residents from 6.5 percent to five percent of Canada’s total population by 2026. Miller attributes these measures to a “softening labour market” in the post-pandemic landscape, as he announced earlier in March 2024.
Uncertainty Among Students
Thelepan Karunanithi, a master of engineering student at TMU, articulated the uncertainty that many international students feel in light of these changes. “The IRCC has not been clear about its intentions,” he stated. Nevertheless, as a master’s student, he remains hopeful about his job prospects. “With the right job skills, if you meet the requirements, they’re going to hire us, I think so,” he added.
Karunanithi highlighted that the “right job skills” align with sectors that the IRCC is focusing on, especially those experiencing long-term labor shortages. These sectors include technology, engineering, healthcare, agriculture, transport, and skilled trades, areas that are critical to Canada’s economic growth.
Concerns Over Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
Bardia Shirasalimian, a second-year computer science student from Iran, expressed significant concerns regarding the PGWP program’s ambiguity. “After four years, you don’t know… will you get the work permit? Will you get the job in this market?” he asked, characterizing the situation as a “50–50 gamble” for many international students navigating the Canadian job market.
Recent updates to the PGWP program stipulate that university graduates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level seven in English or French, while college graduates need to meet CLB level five to qualify for work permits. These language proficiency benchmarks are evaluated through standardized tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). Students are responsible for the costs associated with these assessments, which adds another layer of financial burden.
Job Opportunities Dictate Future Plans
Natsumi Yoshida, an international student from Japan pursuing her Master of Arts in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management, revealed that her decision to remain in Canada hinges on job availability. “If I can find a job in Canada, maybe I will stay,” she said. However, she expressed disappointment over the proposed increase in work hours from 20 to 24 per week, considering it “not a big difference” in terms of financial relief.
Yoshida also raised concerns about how the study permit caps could affect campus diversity. “It sounds like Canada is trying to create a huge barrier for international students,” she noted, emphasizing the potential long-term implications of these policy changes on the multicultural fabric of Canadian universities.
Impact on TMU Enrollment
TMU President Mohamed Lachemi confirmed that international student applications have already declined in response to the recent permit cuts. “The number of applications because of the changes has definitely decreased,” he stated in an interview. Lachemi also indicated that final enrollment figures for the current academic year would not be available until November.
Drawing from his own experience as a former international student from Algeria, Lachemi expressed personal concern regarding the impact of these changes on current students. “This issue is very important to me,” he said, reaffirming TMU’s commitment to supporting its international student population.
Commitment to Support
“Our university is fully committed to supporting our international student community,” Lachemi assured. “We are here to address any concerns that they may have regarding future prospects in Canada, particularly given the recent changes surrounding visa policies.”
This commitment is essential as international students face an increasingly uncertain landscape marked by shifting immigration policies and heightened competition in the job market.
Perceived Unfairness in the Job Market
Shirasalimian articulated a broader sentiment shared by many international students regarding the perceived unfairness of their situation. “It’s not their fault that they’re accepted into university… they came here to have a better future and change their life,” he argued.
His comments highlight a growing frustration among international students who feel that they have followed the rules and invested in their education, yet are confronted with an unpredictable immigration environment that jeopardizes their future prospects in Canada.
Conclusion: Navigating an Uncertain Future
As international students at TMU navigate these turbulent waters, their experiences underscore the broader implications of Canada’s immigration policies on the educational landscape. The changes to study permits and the PGWP program not only impact individual futures but also pose significant challenges to the diversity and inclusivity of Canadian universities.
With ongoing uncertainty regarding job opportunities and immigration pathways, international students remain hopeful yet apprehensive about their prospects in Canada. As the situation develops, the responses from universities and government bodies will be crucial in shaping a more supportive environment for these students who seek to contribute to Canadian society.
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