Canada Considers Capping International Student Numbers Amid Housing Crisis

The move comes as the country grapples with a persistent housing shortage, with rent for Canadians rising 22% in the last two years.

Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has indicated that the government is considering capping the number of international students and other non-permanent residents coming into the country due to concerns about housing affordability.
The number of international students admitted to Canada reached nearly one million in 2023, a record high, while rent for Canadians rose 22% in the last two years due to a persistent housing shortage.
The government's consideration of a cap on international students comes amidst criticism of its immigration targets, with the country aiming to bring in 485,000 immigrants this year, and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026.
Universities have voiced opposition to the proposed cap, as international students contribute over $22.3 billion per year to the Canadian economy and are a major source of workforce and talent needed to replenish Canada's ageing population.
Miller has not specified what the cap might be, but has stated that the government is looking at the possibility of setting a cap on international students to reduce housing demand.