Recent Changes in Canadian Immigration Policies

In a recent development, the Canadian province of British Columbia has implemented a two-year ban on the admission of international students, including Nigerians, into tertiary institutions. This decision, revealed by Mr. Marc Miller, the Federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Canada (IRCC), aims to address "exploitive practices" and ease pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services in the country.

The ban, effective until February 2026, follows the Canadian government's decision to increase the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants from $10,000 to $20,635 as of January 1, 2024. These adjustments come in response to challenges faced by Canada, exceeding its 2023 targets of admitting 500,000 permanent residents and 900,000 international students.

In 2023, Canada experienced a housing shortage of 345,000 units, leading to a reassessment of immigration policies by the Trudeau government. Despite being a sought-after destination, the country grapples with the consequences of surpassing its immigration targets, necessitating these policy changes.

Previously, Canada witnessed a surge in Nigerian students, with almost 18,000 study permits issued in the first half of 2023, making Nigerians the fastest-growing student population in the country. The approval rate for Nigerian applicants rose from 2,788 in 2019 to 23,930 in 2023, highlighting the increasing appeal of Canada for education and opportunities.

In 2022, Canada admitted 437,120 Permanent Residents, showing an almost eight percent increase from the previous year. The top five source countries for new international students included India, Nigeria, the Philippines, China, and Nepal, according to the IRCC. As Canada navigates these challenges, it remains a coveted destination for many, and the evolving immigration policies reflect the government's commitment to addressing the changing landscape.