International student visas for Canada plummet
Sharp Decline in International Student Permits Issued in Canada
Recent data reveals a significant decrease in the number of permits issued to international students looking to study in Canada. The first half of this year saw a drastic drop, with nearly 90,000 fewer permits issued compared to the previous year. This decline follows the implementation of a cap on international student visas by the federal government earlier this year.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), between January and June 2024, Canada issued a total of 125,034 international study permits. However, during the same period in 2025, only 36,417 permits were granted.
Furthermore, the number of applications for international student visas has also decreased. In the first half of 2025, IRCC received 302,795 applications, down from 398,675 in the first half of 2024 and 575,535 in the first half of 2023.
IRCC spokesperson Laura Blondeau stated that the drop in applications in 2025 is a positive indication that the measures put in place are effective. The agency remains committed to attracting top global talent to contribute to the growth of the Canadian economy.
Over the past decade, Canadian colleges and universities have increasingly relied on international student tuition fees to offset declining post-secondary funding and domestic tuition freezes in some provinces. The significant reduction in international student permits could have a profound impact on the financial stability and offerings of these institutions.
Government Measures Impacting International Students
In late 2023, the federal government began implementing stricter requirements for international students. In 2024, it announced a 35% reduction in undergraduate study permits over two years. This reduction was later extended to include graduate and doctoral students, who were previously exempt. The eligibility criteria for the post-graduate work permit program were also tightened.
Colleges and universities across Canada have expressed concerns about the negative impact of these measures on their finances, academic offerings, and broader communities.
As the landscape for international students studying in Canada continues to evolve, institutions and stakeholders are working together to navigate these challenges and develop a sustainable path forward for international education in the country.
