Canada Lowers Study Permit Cap for 2025 – Here’s What You Need to Know
Canada’s Study Permit Cap for 2025: What It Means for International Students
The landscape for international students in Canada is shifting once again. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the finalized provincial and territorial allocations for study permits in 2025, setting a cap of 437,000 study permits—a 10% reduction from the previous year. This decision is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to regulate international student intake and address growing concerns related to housing, healthcare, and public services.
Why Is Canada Reducing Study Permits?
The study permit cap was first introduced in 2024 as a response to rising pressures on essential services and housing markets, particularly in cities with large student populations. The policy led to a 40% decline in new international student arrivals, helping to stabilize rental costs in key urban areas. The 2025 adjustments aim to continue managing these challenges while ensuring a sustainable flow of students into the country.
New Rules on Attestation Letters (PAL/TAL)
A major shift in 2025 is the expanded requirement for provincial or territorial attestation letters (PAL/TAL). Initially applied to most new study permit applicants, the requirement will now extend to master’s and doctoral students, as well as many applicants already in Canada. However, existing study permit holders applying for extensions at the same designated learning institution (DLI) and study level remain exempt.
The cap is now divided into two categories:
- 120,724 study permits will be issued to PAL/TAL-exempt students.
- 316,267 study permits will go to applicants who must submit an attestation letter.
Unlike previous years, provinces and territories cannot carry over any unused allocations, ensuring strict annual limits.
Graduate Students Now Included in the Cap
Despite steady growth in Canada’s graduate international student sector, IRCC has opted to include this group under the cap. According to IRCC, provinces and territories are expected to maintain the same number of graduate student permits in 2025 as they did in 2023. This means sub-allocations for master’s and doctoral students will remain tied to their 2023 issuance levels, preventing unchecked growth.
Compliance Measures for Designated Learning Institutions
Beginning in November 2024, further regulatory measures will take effect to ensure compliance among designated learning institutions (DLIs). Schools will be required to:
- Actively participate in student compliance reporting.
- Verify letters of acceptance to prevent fraudulent applications.
Non-compliance could result in severe penalties, including a one-year suspension from admitting international students. These new rules reinforce Canada’s commitment to quality assurance and transparency in its international education sector.
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