Canada Introduces New Caps and Rules for International Students
Discover Canada's new student visa caps and rules, designed to align immigration with labor market needs – what every international student needs to know for 2025.
- News
📌 Key takeaways
Canada limits the number of study permits issued in 2025 to 437,000 to accommodate labor shortages and adapt the immigration system to respond to new pressures.
Canada is making significant changes to its immigration system, particularly for international students. These new rules, announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aim to manage the number of temporary residents and better align immigration with the country's economic needs.
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Check out our guide on studying in Canada for international students!
Why is Canada introducing an international student cap?
Historically, Canada has welcomed large numbers of international students, with over 682,000 study permits issued in 2023. However, in response to labor shortages and post-pandemic challenges, the government is introducing reforms to reduce the number of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of the population by 2026.
This adjustment is part of a broader effort to support Canada's evolving economy and maintain a sustainable immigration system.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship comments:
"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 programs and roll out a more comprehensive immigration plan to meet the demands of today's changing landscape.
Our immigration system must preserve its integrity, and be well managed and sustainable. And as we look forward, we will do everything it takes to achieve that goal and set newcomers up for success."
New caps on study permits
Starting in 2025, the total number of study permits issued will be capped at 437,000 – a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000. This cap will be maintained in 2026 as well.
To balance these reductions, special conditions will be made for Master's and Doctoral students. Around 12% of study permit spaces will be reserved for these advanced degree programs, as these students are seen as making significant contributions to Canada's labor market and economy. However, they must submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter to secure their spot under the intake cap.
Updated PGWP
In addition to the study permit cap, significant changes are coming to Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. International students will need to graduate from programs linked to fields experiencing long-term labor shortages, such as healthcare, STEM, and skilled trades, to qualify for a PGWP. Also, students must meet specific language proficiency requirements.
Read more: Canada's New PGWP Eligibility Rules: What You Need to Know
What's next?
Students planning to study in Canada should be aware of the new visa cap and updated PGWP rules starting in 2025. Fewer study permits will be issued, and work permit opportunities will depend more on your field of study.
Be sure to meet the new language requirements and understand the stricter rules. Stay informed about these changes to ensure a smooth application process and a successful experience in Canada!
Tetiana Sokolova
Author
With a Bachelor's degree in System Analysis and Applied Statistics, Tetiana brings a strong analytical foundation to her role as a Content Editor at Keystone Education Group. She is dedicated to researching, producing, and refining content to support students worldwide in their education journey, applying her technical expertise and analytical skills to ensure accuracy and relevance.
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