A sharp shift in immigration policy is reshaping the landscape for foreign students in Canada — and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is feeling the impact. With new federal caps reducing international student permits by 35% in 2024, universities across the country are experiencing a pullback in enrollment. At UFV, this means fewer applications, less tuition revenue, and ripple effects beyond the campus gates.

International Enrollment Declines
UFV anticipates a reduction of around 100 international students, lowering its foreign student body to approximately 2,100. While that number may appear small, the impact is significant. International students pay higher tuition fees, and the university is now bracing for a projected $1.2 million shortfall in its operating budget. Administrators are exploring new strategies to stabilize funding while maintaining quality education and support for existing international learners.

Student Rentals Face a Shift
The effects extend into the community. In Abbotsford, international students have historically contributed to a tight rental market, driving up demand and prices. With fewer students arriving, landlords may face higher vacancy rates and potential shifts in rental pricing. This change could provide some relief for local tenants who have long struggled to find affordable housing during peak school terms.

While the full effects are still unfolding, one thing is clear — Canada’s immigration cuts are reshaping the future of international education and housing, and UFV is now at the crossroads of that transformation.

Debbie Balfour |Real Estate Investing Success Coach + Podcast Host Website: www.DebbieBalfour.com Email address: Debbie@DebbieBalfour.com Follow me on LinkedIn: Debbie Balfour YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DebbieBalfour

Hashtags: #Student Housing #UFV #Canada Immigration #International Students #Higher Education #WBN News Abbotsford #Debbie Balfour

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