Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, recently said that international students applying to study in Canada will need to show they have more money—around $20,635 instead of the usual $10,000.
This change is to make sure students can cover living costs, travel, and tuition. Miller warned that if provinces and schools don’t fix issues by the upcoming fall term, the number of visas given might be “significantly limited.”
The limit on how much international students can work (20 hours per week) will continue until April 30, 2024. Miller talked about some schools being like “puppy mills,” just giving out diplomas without a real learning experience. He wants schools to be responsible and help students find housing.
Miller also mentioned concerns about students struggling to find good housing and ending up in bad jobs. He stressed that the government is committed to protecting international students from these issues.
If provinces don’t act, Miller said the federal government is ready to step in. They might even close schools that aren’t meeting standards. Talks with provinces will happen before any strict visa rules are decided.
