The Canadian government plans to reduce the intake of international students by 10 per cent in 2025, citing ongoing political challenges linked to rising temporary immigration. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on Wednesday that the cap for issuing study permits will be set at 437,000, down from this year’s target of 485,000. This “stabilising” figure will also apply for 2026.
Additional restrictions will affect other categories, including temporary foreign workers and asylum claims. These measures come as Canada grapples with a cost-of-living crisis, shelter affordability issues, and stresses on health and transport infrastructure, partly due to the influx of newcomers.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller stated, “The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to—just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to. We are taking action to strengthen our temporary residence programmes and roll out a more comprehensive immigration plan to meet the demands of today’s changing landscape.”
#Canada to cut international student permits by 35% in 2024, with a further 10% reduction in 2025, as part of new #immigration rules to protect the system’s integrity. Stricter eligibility for study and work permits announced- ANI.#StudyInCanada #StudentPermits pic.twitter.com/0JoGFAugxS
— EraofKashmir (@Eraofkashmir1) September 19, 2024
This announcement is likely to be unwelcome news to stakeholders such as Canadian higher education institutions. Earlier this month, Global News reported that Universities Canada predicted a 45 per cent fall in the number of international students arriving for the new term beginning in September. The industry group expressed concerns that the situation is more dire than anticipated and stressed the urgent need for action from Ottawa.
The IRCC decision contrasts with its previous stance and is influenced by the Liberal Party’s electoral challenges. The ruling party recently lost two Federal by-elections in Toronto and Montreal, and the Conservative Party leads by nearly 20 points in all recent surveys. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has made it clear that his government, if formed, will scale back immigration. A recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute revealed that nearly 48 per cent of respondents believe it would be a “good thing” if Canada closed its borders to immigrants.
Despite the announcements, the number of international students has not yet shown a significant decline. IRCC data indicates that the number of study permits issued between January and June this year rose to 246,580 from 238,640 during the same period in 2023. For India-specific permits, the numbers increased from 96,080 to 100,355. Before the Trudeau government’s immigration policy changes, the total study permits issued in 2015 were 219,035, with Indians accounting for just 31,920.
Officials have warned that the impact of these decisions will become evident later this year. This is already reflected in the data, as the number of study permits issued between April and June this year dropped to 125,020 from 148,140 in 2023. For India, the decrease was from 70,340 to 55,940. However, this number is still nearly double the total intake for 2015.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The PIE News reports that Canada is further limiting international student numbers, reducing permits to 437,000 in 2025, emphasizing language proficiency tests and labor market integration. (Read more)
- Global News reports Ottawa’s plan to cap temporary residents at 5% of the population by 2027, aiming to reduce 6.2% to address affordability and housing crises. (Read more)
- India Today reports Canada’s 35% reduction in international student permits, additional 10% in 2025, due to immigration abuse and tighter foreign worker rules announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Is Canada reducing the number of international students?
Yes, by 10% in 2025 compared to this year.
How many study permits will Canada issue in 2025?
Canada will issue 437,000 study permits in 2025.
Why is Canada reducing international student intake?
Due to political challenges, cost-of-living crisis, and infrastructure stress.
How has the number of study permits for Indian students changed?
It rose from 96,080 to 100,355 in the first six months.
What impact will the policy change have on Canadian universities?
Universities anticipate a 45% fall in new international students.
