Several stakeholders argue that the visa cap may dissuade students from selecting Canada as their study destination and may not effectively address underlying issues in Canada's immigration system and housing market. Some even speculate that the new system could still be susceptible to misuse.
Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director of Career Mosaic, voiced concern over the significant 35% overall reduction in study permits, calling for a reconsideration of the policy to ensure collaborative efforts in addressing concerns and maintaining Canada's reputation as a preferred study destination.
Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO of Leverage Edu, acknowledged the government's intent to improve educational quality but saw the decision as more political than structured for the economy. He welcomed the move as a means to combat "diploma mills" and discourage unscrupulous practices among agents.
Anticipating a decline in Indian students choosing Canada, Chaturvedi suggested that the US might regain market share lost over the past decade due to the crucial role of post-study work visas in student decision-making.
Saurabh Arora, CEO of global student housing platform University Living, called for a more organized approach while highlighting potential long-term benefits, including fostering growth in the student accommodation industry and contributing to economic stabilization.
While some stakeholders remain anonymous, expressing concerns about potential abuse of the labor market shortage skills list, others, like Divyansh Chaudhari of IELTSMaterial, suggest that the recent visa rejection trends and the cap announcement may lead Indian students to explore alternative study options.
Karan Gupta, founder of the Karan Gupta Education Foundation, believes the cap will create challenges for Indian students and negatively impact Canada's image as a welcoming study-abroad destination.
Mumbai-based student Natasha Gandhi expressed disappointment, considering alternative options in Ireland, Singapore, and Germany. Students already in Canada, such as Christy Mathew, express uncertainty about their future, citing economic challenges and the new rules as factors influencing their decisions about permanent residency.
Manpreet Singh, a student representative, criticized the policy changes for not addressing real issues in Canada's immigration system, including housing affordability, limited health facilities, and high tuition fees.
In conclusion, stakeholders emphasize the need for Canada to address underlying concerns, streamline application processes, offer more scholarships, and collaborate with all stakeholders to reassure students and parents about their safety in Canada.
