International student permits in Canada experienced a significant decline in the first half of this year, with almost 90,000 fewer permits issued compared to the same period last year. This decline follows the implementation of a cap on international student visas by the federal government at the beginning of 2024.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada issued 125,034 international study permits between January and June 2024. However, this number dropped to 36,417 permits issued in the same period this year.
The number of applications for international student visas also decreased. In the first half of 2025, the department received 302,795 applications, down from 398,675 in the first half of 2024 and 575,535 in the first half of 2023.
Laura Blondeau, a spokesperson for Immigration Minister Lena Diab, stated that the decrease in applications in 2025 indicates the effectiveness of the measures put in place. The focus remains on attracting top global talent to support economic growth, with collaboration with various educational stakeholders to ensure a sustainable path forward for international students.
Over the past decade, many Canadian educational institutions increased their efforts to recruit international students due to declining post-secondary funding and domestic tuition freezes in some provinces. This reliance on international student tuition, which is higher than domestic student fees, has become crucial for colleges and universities.
The federal government started implementing stricter requirements for international students in late 2023 and announced a 35% reduction in undergraduate study permits over two years in 2024. Subsequently, an additional 10% decrease was enforced, affecting graduate and doctoral students who were previously exempt. Eligibility criteria for the post-graduate work permit program were also tightened during this period.
Colleges and universities nationwide have reported negative impacts on their finances, programs, and broader communities due to the imposed cap on international student permits.
This reduction in international student permits signals a shift in Canada’s approach to international education, aiming to balance economic growth with sustainable practices in attracting global talent.