Canada has unveiled a new streamlined visa program aimed specifically at students from Southeast Asia, marking a major shift in the country’s international education strategy. The new scheme, officially called the ASEAN Academic Mobility Pathway (AAMP), is set to take effect in September 2025, and will simplify both the student visa and post-graduation work permit processes for applicants from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
🎓 A Strategic Move for Canada’s Education Sector
The new policy comes as part of Canada’s broader push to diversify its international student population, which has long been dominated by students from China and India. According to the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Southeast Asia is a region with “immense talent, growing youth populations, and rising demand for high-quality education abroad.”
“We see this as a two-way opportunity,” said Megan Lavoie, Deputy Minister for International Education. “Canada offers world-class universities and an inclusive society, while Southeast Asian students bring new energy, ideas, and perspectives.”
🇮🇩 Strong Response from Indonesia
Universities in Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya have already begun hosting information sessions for high school seniors and undergraduates interested in Canadian programs. The Embassy of Canada in Jakarta has also increased staffing at its visa processing unit to accommodate the expected spike in applications.
“I’ve always dreamed of studying in Canada, but the process felt complicated. Now it finally feels possible,” said Rani Kartika, a 19-year-old applicant from Yogyakarta hoping to attend the University of British Columbia.
📋 Key Features of the AAMP Visa Program
- Faster Visa Processing – 10–15 business days for qualified applicants
- Waived IELTS Requirement – For students graduating from English-medium schools
- Simplified Financial Proof – Lower financial documentation threshold
- Automatic PGWP Eligibility – 3-year post-graduation work permit for approved degrees
- Online Pre-Assessment Portal – Allows students to check eligibility before applying
🎓 Canadian Universities React
Institutions such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and Simon Fraser University have welcomed the initiative. They are now ramping up outreach efforts in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia through virtual fairs, local agents, and partnerships with top regional universities.
“We’re particularly excited to build academic bridges with Southeast Asia,” said Dr. Camille Roy, Director of Global Enrollment at McGill. “This visa policy gives us the tools to reach talented students who may have been discouraged by previous barriers.”
📈 Projected Growth
Canada is already home to over 1,700 Indonesian students, but that number is expected to double by 2027. The IRCC has set a target of 10,000 new ASEAN students annually under the AAMP scheme by 2026.
🌏 A Win for Global Mobility
Observers say the move is not only good for Canada, but also aligns with ASEAN’s educational goals. The regional bloc has prioritized academic mobility and global competitiveness under its 2025 blueprint.
“This is a step toward equitable global education,” noted Prof. Anwar Santoso, Head of International Relations at Universitas Indonesia. “It gives our students a clearer path to succeed abroad and bring knowledge home.”
As borders become more open and digital learning expands, initiatives like AAMP may define the next chapter of student mobility — not just between Canada and Southeast Asia, but globally.
Reporting by Nabila Yusuf in Jakarta and James Hill in Toronto. Edited by the greenfuturelab.tech International Desk.