Nigerians encounter a hurdle as Canada intends to reduce student and work permits.

Canada plans to cut the number of international students and work permits issued in 2025, a decision likely to affect numerous Nigerians.

On Wednesday, September 18, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the changes, highlighting the need to control high immigration levels, which are putting pressure on Canada’s housing, job market, and social services.

“It is a privilege to come to Canada, not a right,” Miller emphasized during the press conference.

He also revealed that Ottawa intends to issue 437,000 study permits next year, down from the 485,000 issued in 2024 and over 500,000 granted in 2023.

This policy change is part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration’s wider strategy to decrease the number of temporary residents.

Canada’s population exceeded 41 million earlier this year, prompting concerns about housing shortages and job availability, leading to a reassessment of immigration policies.

As part of the changes, new restrictions will be placed on work permits for the spouses of international students and foreign workers, and stricter checks on travel visas will be introduced to prevent fraudulent asylum claims.

Ottawa has also committed to lowering the percentage of temporary residents in Canada from 6.8 percent, recorded in April, to five percent.

These changes are likely to impact many Nigerian students and workers pursuing opportunities in Canada.

The new regulations are expected to create significant obstacles for those aiming to study or work in the country, particularly Nigerians, who make up a large segment of Canada’s international student population.