Canadians are still facing a housing crisis and bearing the costs of housing. Mark Miller, Minister of Immigration, recently stated that the increase in the number of temporary immigrants was not the only reason behind the housing crisis in Canada.

He added that although the number of immigrants is one of the reasons, it is not the only reason, and there are other main causes that led to this. While he acknowledged that record numbers of immigrants have indeed caused the crisis, immigrants represent a source of strength for Canada.

The federal government is currently scrutinizing the reception of the most skilled immigrants and simultaneously considering the housing crisis along with immigrant intake and working to resolve the crisis to welcome more immigrants, especially skilled workers.

Miller added that we should not let these skilled individuals feel worried or face potential restrictions.

Last week, public colleges and universities had called for postponing the implementation of the government's decision to limit the number of international students Canada receives.

Many universities and colleges in Ontario previously warned against the Ministry of Immigration's announcement of a maximum cap on the number of international students, which would spread chaos. It is a hasty and unstudied decision that harms the community, as described by the universities.

At this time, universities in Ontario have demanded that the Canadian federal government reconsider this decision and its repercussions.

A statement was issued on this matter saying that this harsh decision does not take into account the talent requirements in Ontario, and thousands of students who will be disappointed by losing their dreams and jobs.

The Canadian government had announced imposing a two-year maximum limit on foreign student permits.

It also said it would stop granting work permits to some graduate students as part of its effort to reduce the record number of newcomers, whom it considers among the reasons exacerbating the housing crisis.

According to the new cap, Canada is expected to issue about 360,000 study permits in 2024, about 35 percent less than last year, according to the Immigration Ministry statement.

Canadian Immigration Minister Mark Miller had announced that the Canadian government decided to reduce the number of international student permits in the next year. Miller added that the reduction in the number of international students will be about 36% by the next year.

According to Miller’s statements, the measure will continue over two years; this is aimed at controlling the numbers of arrivals amid the population crisis, amid rising prices and inflation conditions.

The maximum accepted number of international student permits during 2024 reaches 364,000 permits.

It is worth noting that permits will be re-evaluated during 2025 at the end of the current year 2024.

Miller added that this measure will direct universities that impose high tuition fees on international students, with an increase in the number of international students approved and accepted in Canada.

Applicants for doctoral and master's degrees will also be exempted from the maximum limit.

Miller pointed out that provinces will see a clear decrease in the number of accepted international students.

The provinces had filed complaints to the federal government due to the rise in the number of international students they have, amid the worsening housing crisis and rising living costs, which put pressure on governments and thus on the federal government after increasing complaints of a real crisis regarding this matter, under these circumstances.