- Canada limits international study permits to 437,000, a 10% reduction from the previous year
- Ontario receives the largest share (116,740 permits), followed by Quebec (72,977) and British Columbia (53,589)
- Master’s and doctoral students are now required to provide Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letters (TAL)
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a cap on the number of study permits for international students in 2025.
The limit is 437,000 permits, reflecting a 10% reduction from the previous year's target.
This decision comes in response to ongoing challenges, including pressure on housing, healthcare, and public services caused by a surge in the international student population.
The policy is part of Canada’s broader strategy to manage the growing demand for higher education while maintaining the quality of its educational system.
Breakdown of study permit allocation for 2025
The 437,000 study permits have been distributed across various categories:
- Graduate students: 73,282 permits
- Kindergarten to Grade 12 applicants exempt from PAL/TAL: 72,200 permits
- Other groups requiring PAL/TAL: Remaining permits
On a provincial level, Ontario will receive the highest allocation, with 116,740 permits for students requiring PAL/TAL, followed by Quebec with 72,977 permits and British Columbia with 53,589 permits.
Other provinces, including Alberta, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia, will receive allocations based on previous trends and future needs.
New regulations and exemptions
Key changes for 2025 include extending the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) requirements to students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.
This shift will significantly impact graduate-level applicants by adding new documentation requirements.
Exemptions from PAL/TAL requirements include:
- Primary and secondary school students
- Specific government priority groups
- Students renewing study permits at the same institution and academic level
The PAL/TAL system was introduced in previous years to ensure that only students attending Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are eligible for permits.
These additional measures aim to regulate the number of permits issued and maintain educational standards.
Implications for students, institutions, and communities
The cap on study permits will intensify competition for admission into Canadian institutions, potentially discouraging some international applicants. For students, this means stricter requirements and fewer opportunities.
Compliance with the new regulations will be essential for DLIs. Institutions must closely monitor student reporting and acceptance letters to avoid suspension, which could harm their ability to attract international students.
Local communities may experience some relief, as reduced international student numbers could ease housing and public services strain.
However, this shift raises economic concerns, as international students contribute significantly to local economies through tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Long-term impact on Canada’s education sector
The new cap reflects Canada’s pivot toward sustainable growth in its international education sector, prioritising quality over quantity.
The government aims to maintain Canada’s reputation as a global education hub by attracting top talent while addressing resource constraints.
For students, educational institutions, and local communities, these policy changes will shape the future of international education in Canada, balancing resource management with continued global competitiveness.
Japa: Canada announces immigration cut by 21% from 2025 to 2027
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Canada announced its decision to cut immigration levels for the first time in years, planning to welcome a total of 1.1 million new permanent residents from 2025 to 2027, which represents a 21 per cent reduction compared to previous years.
The development was disclosed by the country’s Honourable Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller on Thursday, October 24.