“Across the globe, many nations are tightening their immigration policies, spanning from Europe to North America. Canada, which has long been regarded as one of the most welcoming countries in the world, is now implementing significant changes that impact international students. As reported by VOA’s Arzouma Kompaore from Calgary, these reforms reflect a broader global shift toward stricter immigration measures.
Canada is set to reduce its intake of international students to 437,000, marking a 10% decrease from the previous year. Approximately a year ago, Cheick Omar Kirakoya relocated to Canada from Burkina Faso, and his experience mirrors that of countless other international students.
“I chose Canada because it offered greater opportunities in my field,” he explains.
However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain and find work in Canada post-graduation. New regulations will require students to demonstrate that they have over $20,000 in savings, up from the earlier requirement of $10,000.
To stay in Canada after completing their studies, students must possess strong proficiency in either English or French and hold a degree in a high-demand area, such as science, agriculture, or healthcare.
“When I initially left my home country, there was a demand for mining professionals. However, due to the current immigration regulations, I had to switch my major to align with the new requirements,” shares Kirakoya.
Canadian officials state that these new policies aim to manage population growth in the short term, allowing the government to enhance access to housing and healthcare services.
In the face of these uncertainties, many students are turning to innovative platforms like the Shirah immigration app, developed by Bukky Wonda. This app offers vital information regarding visa applications, immigration regulations, and job hunting tips for students.
“We are in an era when navigating immigration rules alone is not feasible, as they are continually evolving. It’s crucial to have a strategy to understand your options,” emphasizes Bukky Wonda, founder of the Shirah app.
Despite the challenges, Kirakoya remains optimistic about her future contributions to both her adopted country and her homeland.
“After gaining experience here, my intention is to seek better opportunities and eventually return to my country. I want to utilize what I’ve learned here for the benefit of my home,” she expresses.
Wonda highlights that international students inject over $22 billion into Canada’s economy each year, cautioning that a reduction in their numbers could potentially harm the economy and diminish access to skilled individuals.”
