Canada has portrayed itself as a beacon of opportunity for international students, offering a world-class education and the promise of a brighter future. For decades, students from India, China, Nigeria, and the Philippines have flocked to the country not just for academic pursuits but also with the hope of becoming part of a nation that is celebrated for its diversity and inclusivity.
Now, this identity is changing as the Canadian government moved to cut international student visas by 10 per cent in 2024 — restricting the total permits to around 485,000. The new allowed number of visas for 2025 and 2026 will be 437,000 permits, with the government citing housing shortages and affordability as key reasons to decrease the number of international student visas granted in recent years.
While the policy may seem pragmatic on the surface, I believe it risks disrupting a delicate balance of opportunity and access, leaving international students and their families in a state of uncertainty. This decision is not merely about statistics or policy decisions, it is also about the lives of young individuals whose futures are at stake.
Exorbitant tuition
Historically, it was no accident that Canada’s identity formed as a place for international education. Beginning in the late 1960s, Canadian universities and colleges actively sought to attract students from abroad to bolster their global reputation and diversify their revenue streams.
In my opinion, the biggest challenge for international students is the high cost of tuition. While average domestic students in Canada typically pay around $7,076 annually, international students often face fees exceeding $35,000 depending on their program and institution — up to five times more than domestic students. U of T charges international undergraduates nearly $60,000 per year, which increases if they are enrolled in specialized programs such as the computer science program and Rotman Commerce.
These fees — which I argue are exploitative — are a major contribution to the financial strain on families who often invest significant financial contributions in hopes of securing a brighter future for their children.
Scarce housing, scarcer jobs
The financial pressure does not end there. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the average price for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto has risen from $1,421 in 2020 to $1,715 in 2024. In September 2024, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,916 per month, which increased by 2.1 per cent from 2023. These mounting financial pressures adversely affect students’ mental health and undermine their ability to concentrate on academics — hindering their educational and personal success.
The government’s decision in January 2024 to reduce international student visas hinges on the belief that fewer international students will ease the demand on housing and infrastructure, thereby benefiting Canadian citizens. While I believe that this argument is compelling on the surface, it oversimplifies a complex issue.
The reality is that Canada’s housing crisis stems from decades of underinvestment in affordable housing. Blaming international students — especially amid the rise of racism against South Asian immigrants — for these systemic shortcomings is not only unfair but counterproductive, as it diverts attention from the root causes.
Cost of reducing immigration
The potential advantages of reducing international students can come at a cost. Educational institutions that are heavily reliant on high international tuition fees may face financial shortfalls, leading to budget cuts that impact the overall quality of education. For instance, Algonquin College is facing a $32 million revenue loss due to a drop in international student enrollment, projecting a shortfall of about 2,400 students compared to previous estimates.
Moreover, reducing international student numbers risks exacerbating labour shortages in critical sectors where students often fill part-time positions. International students and immigrants’ economic impact extends beyond tuition fees, as they generate jobs, stimulate local businesses, and fill critical gaps in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and hospitality. International students contribute 37.3 billion to the Canadian economy annually, making them essential to Canada’s growth.
Many international students, despite excelling academically, find themselves struggling with a cycle of precarious employment and uncertain futures. For Canada, I believe this represents a missed opportunity, as these skilled and educated individuals are precisely what the nation needs.
Dreams and disillusionment
I find myself grappling with a mix of hope and disillusionment and I feel apprehensive about the future with every new policy change. Canada, with its diverse culture and world-class education system, still holds immense appeal. On the other hand, the uncertainty surrounding housing, immigration, and job prospects casts a shadow of doubt. Conversations I have with my friends often reveal a shared sense of apprehension.
As an international student from India, these policy changes hit home. My parents, like many others, made significant sacrifices to support my education here, believing that Canada would offer me better opportunities. While we appreciate the education we’re receiving, we cannot ignore the mounting obstacles that make staying here long-term increasingly challenging. This lack of long-term prospects poses a significant challenge for international students who invest years of their lives and substantial financial resources in adapting to Canadian society.
International students’ contributions extend well beyond their economic impact; they bring diversity and innovation that enrich Canadian society. Addressing the housing crisis requires bold, systemic reforms, not scapegoating a group that has become an integral part of the nation’s socioeconomic fabric.
For international students like me, the dream of building a life in Canada once so vivid now feels precarious. As policymakers navigate this critical juncture, they must recognize that the future of international education in Canada is not just about numbers, but about its people.
Whether the federal government chooses to embrace its role as a global leader in education or retreat into insular policies will define its legacy for generations to come.
Tarushi Sahni is a second-year student at Victoria College studying economics and international relations. She is a macroeconomics associate at the Vertige Investment Group at U of T and the events director at the Clinical Psychology Students’ Association and the University of Toronto Policython.