Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, is urging universities and colleges to expand their international student recruitment efforts to markets beyond India. While India remains the largest source of international students for Canadian institutions, Miller emphasized the importance of diversifying these recruitment strategies to foster a more globally representative student body.
Speaking in the Greater Toronto Area, Miller acknowledged that Indian students are among the “best and brightest,” significantly contributing to Canada’s academic and professional landscape. However, he stressed that universities should focus on attracting talent from a wider variety of countries to strengthen Canada’s educational reputation and bring more diversity to campus communities.
The Minister called on institutions to shift their recruitment approach, prioritizing “excellence and quality over quantity.” He also pointed out that although Canada remains committed to welcoming international students, there is no guarantee of permanent residency or citizenship for those who come to study.
Miller addressed concerns surrounding expiring post-graduate work permits (PGWPs), noting that students unable to transition into permanent residency or another visa status would have to leave Canada. While recognizing that these changes may be disappointing for some students, Miller reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a balanced and fair immigration system, one that continues to attract top global talent.