Decline by 70% in Approval of Study Permits in Canada Coincides with Significant Drop in New Student Enrollments
In recent updates, Canada has made significant adjustments to its immigration and education policies that will impact international students and workers.
Starting from 2025, open work permits have been made available only to spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs. Unfortunately, spouses of students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, are no longer eligible for these permits.
Canada has also invited French speakers to apply for permanent residence, and extended this invitation to foreigners with job experience as well. However, there has been no new information provided about changes in the rental market with high student populations, or work permits issued in May and June 2025.
In terms of student visas, the number of study permits issued between January and June 2025 dropped significantly, with a total of 36,417 permits issued, representing an over 70% fall in the number of international students compared to the same period in 2024. The lowest number of study permits issued in 2025 was recorded in March, with just 3,819 permits issued.
This decline represents nearly a 57% fall in total arrivals, including international students and foreign workers, in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Every study permit application submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2025 requires an attestation letter from a province or territory.
Starting September 1, 2024, international students who begin a study program that is part of a curriculum licensing arrangement are no longer eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon graduation. In addition, Canada announced a 10% reduction in the annual cap for international student study permits in 2025.
Between January and June 2025, the number of work permits issued dropped to 119,234, representing a 50% decline in foreign work permits compared to the same period in 2024. It's important to note that between January and June 2024, a total of 245,137 work permits and 125,034 study permits were issued.
For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult official Canadian government websites or press releases, which are regularly updated. Changes in immigration policy or processes for issuing study permits may be announced through appropriate regulations or laws.
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