Maple News reports that Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller, is calling on provincial governments to take greater responsibility in managing the growing number of international students in the country. In a recent interview, Minister Miller emphasized mounting concerns at the federal level about the sustainability of international student volumes and hinted that provinces have fallen short in exercising the oversight required to maintain balance.
According to Miller, the number of international students in Canada had exceeded 800,000 in 2022 and was projected to reach 900,000 by the end of 2023—more than triple the total from just a decade ago. This dramatic increase has raised alarms about systemic weaknesses and possible exploitation of international students by certain educational institutions.
Post-secondary education, including the authorization of institutions to host international learners, falls under provincial jurisdiction. Each province determines which colleges, universities, and technical schools qualify as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). However, Minister Miller pointed out that some provinces have allowed too much leniency in DLI approvals, enabling institutions to accept more students than the system can support responsibly.
“There’s a challenge to the integrity of the system,” Miller said. He added that some institutions are using their DLI status to attract international students at high tuition fees without necessarily providing the promised quality of education. He called for “robust” discussions between provinces and educational institutions, especially those profiting disproportionately from international enrolment.
When asked whether Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) might introduce a cap on study permits, Miller confirmed that it was under consideration—but only as a last resort. While the federal government has not finalized any policy on capping permits, Miller has previously stated he is not in favor of a blanket cap, as it may unfairly penalize reputable institutions.
He reiterated his preference for tailored provincial action, noting that a one-size-fits-all solution may not be effective. Instead, Minister Miller is urging provinces to implement tighter controls on institutional approvals and oversight measures that ensure educational quality and student support.
Maple News understands that for a school to become a DLI, it must meet specific accreditation requirements as outlined by its province. However, the standards vary widely, with some provinces enforcing far stricter guidelines than others—a discrepancy that may be fueling the lack of consistency and accountability across the country.
This development is the latest in a broader reevaluation of Canada’s international student strategy, which plays a key role not only in contributing to the nation’s economy but also as a pipeline to permanent residency for many aspiring immigrants. As international enrolment continues to surge, the federal and provincial governments face growing pressure to reform the system and ensure that students receive a fair and meaningful Canadian education experience.