“Canada’s Language Sector Faces Setback Due to Visa Policy”

Canada’s language education sector – which plays a critical role in preparing international students for higher education – is facing a serious decline due to strict visa policies and processing delays introduced in 2024.

📉 Key Statistics & Impacts

• 🔻15% drop in total international language student enrolment in 2024.
• ⚠️56% drop in the number of students transitioning from language schools to Canadian colleges/universities.
• 💰13% decrease in direct economic contribution from language students, now at CAD $1.04 billion, ending two years of post-COVID recovery.

🚫 Reasons Behind the Decline

• Study permit caps introduced in January 2024 limited the number of students allowed to study in Canada.
• Visa processing delays and increased refusal rates, particularly for students from countries like India.
• Uncertainty and confusion caused by frequent changes in immigration policies and processes (e.g. the attestation letter system).

 Why Language Education Matters

According to Languages Canada, language programs are often the first step in a student’s academic journey in Canada. Without access to these programs:

• The pipeline to universities and colleges is disrupted.
• Canada risks losing qualified, well-prepared international students.
• Communities miss out on the social, cultural, and economic benefits brought by these students.

🏙️ Wider Economic & Social Impact

• Smaller towns and cities are especially affected due to the loss of tourism, retail, and cultural contributions of international students.
• The decline hurts Canada’s image as a welcoming, diverse, and globally connected destination.

🇫🇷A Bright Spot: French Language Programs

• 14% increase in enrolments in French language programs.
• Boosted by Canada’s effort to bring in more French-speaking immigrants to support Francophone minority communities.
• These students help address labour shortages and promote bilingualism and regional development.

🛂 Student Visa Types: A Shift in Trends

In 2024:

• 19% of students came on study permits.
• 26% used Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) (short-term visitor visas).
• 37% came visa-free (stayed for less than 6 months).
• The rest were Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

🌍 Student Origin Trends

• Asia overtook South America as the largest source region for language students.
• Japan remained the top source country.
• South Korea and Taiwan saw steady growth.

🗳️ Sector’s Call to Action

• Nearly 82% of Languages Canada’s member schools named visa refusals and policy changes as their top concern.
• Schools are asking the new government (under PM Mark Carney) for:
  • More stability in immigration policies.
  • A clear strategy that supports language education.
  • Recognition of language schools as an essential part of the international education ecosystem.

✨ Hope for Improvement

• Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director of Languages Canada, expressed optimism about new leadership.
• Early signs from the government indicate a renewed appreciation for international education.
• He urged the immigration minister to focus on balanced policies that combine integrity with accessibility.