Canada: Int’l students’ mental health on the line as policy changes bite
A raft of changes, including a reduced limit on study permits, new eligibility requirements for work permits and increased financial requirements, have exposed international students in Canada to constant stress and anxiety issues in recent months.
“The recent policy changes have negatively impacted my mental health. However, this isn’t just a result of the latest changes, it’s an ongoing process,” a computer programming student from Turkey who didn’t want to be named told The PIE News.
According to the student, who is currently pursuing his postgraduate degree from an Ontario-based institute, international students in Canada are being “unfairly blamed” for pre-existing national issues.
“For a long time, there have been attempts… to attribute all negative aspects to us, such as ‘they are the reason for rent increases, they are the cause of high prices,’” he explained.
Though Canada’s housing crisis has been widely attributed in the media to the country’s high number of international students, a recent study by the University of Waterloo aimed to debunk the narrative.
According to the study’s findings, international student families face many hurdles to finding adequate housing, while at the same time not having enough diverse options to fit their needs.
A lack of certainty caused by shock policy changes is also taking its toll on international students.
“Day by day there are these rules that are announced and we don’t know what it will be next week. This is bringing a lot of uncertainty for our futures here in Canada,” said Christina Mathew, an Indian student at Humber College.
Although the newly announced lower cap on international student numbers will only be applicable to the 2025/26 intake, limitations on work hours and a rise in the cost of living have led to concerns among international students.
“Irrespective of the economic crisis, with higher rent, higher price for groceries, everything is getting way too expensive. And on top of them, these rules sort of make me question if I want PR in this country,” added Mathew.
With Canada dealing with a tight labour market and wage inflation in some areas of its economy, lack of jobs are also taking a toll on international students.
Day by day there are these rules that are announced and we don’t know what it will be next week. This is bringing a lot of uncertainty for our futures here in Canada
Christina Mathew, Indian student in Canada
“We are worried about not getting jobs as the Canadian government is going above and beyond in creating more bottlenecks for us,” said Amanpreet Kaur, an international student in British Columbia.
“Even for part-time work, we need referrals and though internships are necessary while completing our degrees, they are not paid. It’s a huge financial risk for me and my friends, and it has deteriorated our mental health.”
Canada’s reputation as a popular study destination is also on the line amid reports of increasing anti-immigration rhetoric. Many in the international student community in Canada say they have faced racism.
“There’s subtle racism everywhere and in the agencies that we visit there are a limited number of international students but the little that we do see gives us a little hope,” said Makkiya Khan, a Pakistani student in Ontario.
Even before the plans to further squeeze international student numbers were announced last month, reports suggested that there will be a more than 50% drop in study permit applications to Canada by the end of 2024.
According to an ApplyBoard report, the current trends signal that around 230,000 new study permits will be processed in the second half of 2024 – roughly 47% lower than the 436,600 new study permits approved in 2023.
These trends suggest that universities have their work cut out in pitching Canada to international students, while addressing citizens’ economic and housing concerns at the same time.
“We believe that by continuing to engage with students and providing transparent, supportive resources, we can gradually rebuild confidence in Canada as a study destination,” Priyanka Roy, senior recruitment advisor, University of York, told The PIE.
“Nonetheless, it’s clear that overcoming the current challenges will take time and sustained effort.”
If you want to find out more about student wellbeing, watch this PIE Chat Live, Wellness & care practices beyond 2024: The future of student wellness and care in Canada. Click here to watch back.
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