Canada has announced a significant policy shift in its international education sector, implementing a cap on study permit applications for 2025. The new measure will limit permits to 437,000, marking a 10% reduction from 2024 levels, as part of the federal government’s strategy to balance immigration goals with infrastructure capacity.
The policy, scheduled to run from January 22 to December 31, 2025, follows Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s earlier decision to reduce study permits by 35% in 2024. As per Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, “The cap was intended to best support the attainment of the immigration goals established by the Government of Canada. Once the cap is reached, no more applications will be accepted.”
Industry experts insight
Industry experts have responded positively to the announcement. Piyush Kumar, Regional Director, South Asia, Canada, and Latin America (LATAM), IDP Education, said, “Even with the recent cap, Canada remains the top country accepting international students. The Canadian government wants international students to have the best infrastructure facilities. This decision is a strategic move toward providing a sustainable and balanced ecosystem for international students. They are trying to create a more sustainable and equitable environment for international students, including revisiting housing, public services, and transportation systems.”
Kumar further emphasised opportunities for Indian students: “Indian students are highly capable and intelligent. With the correct preparation, guidance, and support in selecting the right universities that match their skill sets and career aspirations, we are certain they will be able to secure admissions to the Canadian universities of choice. We would advise students planning to study in Canada to continue with their plans and start their application process early.”
The decision by the Canadian government to limit study permit applications to 505,162 in 2025 is a prudent move to balance the increasing number of international students with the quality and sustainability of its education system. “Indian students must focus on submitting complete and accurate applications, including the required provincial attestation letter, to ensure a seamless process. With proactive planning, I’m confident Indian students will continue to benefit from Canada’s world-class education system,” says Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO, University Living (Global student housing).
ApplyBoard’s Vice President Saif Iqbal expressed confidence in the policy: “These caps are a continuation of the earlier changes. We are confident that the caps at the provincial end, and eventually at the institutional level, are in line with provincial labour market demand. As ApplyBoard, we will continue to work with our institutional partners, students, and other stakeholders to ensure we match the right student profile with the right course and institution. Canada continues to be a destination of choice for hundreds of thousands of international students from around the world, and we think it will continue to be the same way.”
The government has, however, outlined certain exceptions to this cap. There are applicants in the category of inland family sponsorship, protected persons, those who hold study permit exemption orders, as well as people who have already filed for permanent residence. Federally administered Designated Learning Institutions have exempted students here. Exchange students as well as primary or secondary school level of studying will not count against the cap.
