CANADA IMMIGRATION

CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION POLICIES IMPACT LANGUAGE PROGRAMS

In 2024, 13 major changes were made to IRCC’s International Student Program, all in response to issues such as housing and workforce gaps. None considered the impact on Canada’s Official Languages programs, which play a unique and strategic role in national infrastructure, productivity and identity. Image credit: RATUL PAL on Unsplash.

From LANGUAGES CANADA

According to Languages Canada, over 13 per cent of Canada’s accredited English and French language education programs closed in the first quarter of 2025 alone, marking the sharpest decline in the sector’s history.

The number of accredited Official Languages programs is now at its lowest since 2011. The sector has seen a dramatic decline in recent years. In 2019, it generated $6.7 billion in economic activity and supported over 75,000 jobs. In 2024, those numbers shrank to $3.7 billion and 35,000, despite Canada’s global reputation for quality language education and its recognition as a top destination for English and French language learning.

“Canada’s immigration system has become unpredictable and unwelcoming,” said Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director of Languages Canada. “Students and their families now see Canada as too risky, and institutions are finding that Official Languages programs are no longer financially viable.”

 In 2024 alone, 13 major changes were made to IRCC’s International Student Program, all in response to issues unrelated to language education, such as housing and workforce gaps. Yet none considered the impact on Canada’s Official Languages programs, which play a unique and strategic role in national infrastructure, productivity and identity.

The most recent policy change prevents Official Languages students from transitioning smoothly into post-secondary programs, dismantling long-standing and effective pathways between Canadian institutions. This not only undermines decades of successful collaboration but also puts students and their families in precarious situations. As Peralta observes, “We rightly express concern when Canadian students are denied opportunities in the US due to unfair policies, but the truth is, tens of thousands of international students already in Canada are now facing similar injustices here.”

Research shows that international students completing language programs before entering post-secondary studies in Canada have higher GPAs and better retention outcomes, offering a measurable return on investment for institutions. These programs also foster better integration into communities, and a safer and more productive workforce.