Cap on student visas could wreak financial havoc on Ontario universities, says rep

Jan 23, 2024 | 9:24 AM

OTTAWA — The Council of Ontario Universities says the newly announced cap on international student admissions is unfairly punishing responsible institutions alongside bad actors in the post-secondary sector.

Steve Orsini, president and CEO of the organization, is calling on the federal government to reverse its decision to cap the number of new study permits it issues over the next two years. 

He says many universities are already in perilous financial situations and capping international student enrolment will add more strain on their budgets. 

Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced new limits to the international student program Monday, including a 35 per cent reduction in the number of study permits it issues this year.