OTTAWA, Aug 21 (Reuters) - The Canadian government, under pressure over the rising cost of housing, could consider capping foreign student visas, which have rocketed in recent years, new Housing Minister Sean Fraser said on Monday.
Official data show there were more than 800,000 foreign students with active visas in 2022, up from 275,000 in 2012.
Canada is a popular destination for international students since it is relatively easy to obtain a work permit.
Fraser, who was immigration minister before taking up his job last month, said the sharp rise in the number of students was putting pronounced pressure on some housing markets.
Asked whether a cap could be imposed on the number of foreign students, he said, "I think that is one of the options that we ought to consider."
Persons:
Sean Fraser, Fraser, We've, Prince Edward Island, Justin Trudeau, David Ljunggren, Josie Kao
Organizations:
OTTAWA, Canadian, Conservative Party, Liberal, Thomson
Locations:
Canada, Atlantic, Prince