Student visa caps will make newcomers “think twice” about Canada — immigration lawyer
Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced major cuts to the international student visa program during the Liberal cabinet retreat in Montreal on Jan. 22.
The 2024 cap would cut visas granted by about a third, mainly affecting provinces like BC and Ontario with high numbers of international students. Quebec, with fewer foreign students, could take in more.
But there’s also cuts to work permits for spouses of international students bundled with the changes which have some worried about the uncertainty.
Montreal immigration lawyer and former international student, Viviane Albuquerque, told CJLO she feels these are careless measures. “If you’re coming to Canada to advance your career and then are told to stay home and take care of the kids, you have to think about it twice. It’s not clear, and that’s what’s really concerning.”