Canada is falling behind in the global competition for top international students, according to Gabriel Miller, who says recent immigration policies are undermining the country’s ability to attract the talent needed to drive future economic growth.
Miller, CEO of Universities Canada, warned that while Prime Minister Mark Carney is promoting Canada as a leader in sectors like artificial intelligence, energy, and agribusiness, those ambitions depend heavily on access to skilled global talent. “We’re going to need the most talented people in the world to succeed… and right now we’re falling behind,” he said.
The concerns come as the federal government moves to reduce the number of temporary residents, including international students, in an effort to ease pressure on housing and public services. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne previously stated that the policy aims to return immigration levels to a more “sustainable” trajectory while maintaining economic competitiveness.
However, new data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), analyzed by ApplyBoard, shows a dramatic 64% drop in approved student visas in 2025. Just over 75,000 study permits were approved last year, compared to more than 209,000 in 2024 and over 435,000 in 2023.
The sharp decline is already having significant financial consequences across Canada’s higher education sector. Institutions that rely heavily on international tuition fees are facing mounting budget pressures, layoffs, and structural changes.
In Ontario, Fleming College and St. Lawrence College recently announced a merger aimed at improving long-term financial sustainability. Meanwhile, George Brown College has issued dozens of layoff notices, citing declining enrolment linked to new federal policies.
In Alberta, Lethbridge Polytechnic reported a 40% drop in revenue from international student tuition, highlighting the nationwide impact.
Miller also raised concerns that the rapid policy changes are sending confusing signals to prospective students worldwide, potentially damaging Canada’s reputation as a stable and welcoming study destination.
He is now calling for a coordinated national strategy involving both federal and provincial governments to restore confidence and rebuild Canada’s position in the global education market.
“Imagine a country without an HR plan—that’s where we’re at,” Miller said, stressing that urgent collaboration is needed to ensure Canada can attract and retain the talent required to power its future economy.