The federal government has announced changes to the international student visa program, including a 2-year cap on new study permits.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller, the temporary measure will target “bad actor” educational institutions who take advantage of foreign students, and abuse Canada’s international student program.

The number of study permits issued in 2024 will decrease by 35 per cent to approximately 360,000.

“Ottawa and the provinces need a comprehensive overhaul of their international student strategy,” stated CAUT in response to the announcement.

“The government deserves credit for trying to crack down on the unethical recruitment and abuse of international students by some actors, including poor quality private schools,” said CAUT executive director David Robinson. “However, a cap is a blunt instrument on its own. If the goal is to target the bad actors, then they should be directly targeted.”