Canada Sets 2025 Study Permit Cap at 437,000 to Enhance Sustainability and Student Experience
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Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a refined approach to international student intakes for 2025, setting a study permit cap of 437,000. This adjustment is a 10% reduction from 2024 and it aims to ensure a balanced and sustainable growth of Canada's international student community while enhancing access to housing, healthcare and essential services
The key change for 2025 is the introduction of Provincial and Territorial Attestation Letters (PAL or TAL) for most study permit applicants, including those pursuing Masters and doctoral degrees. However, undergraduate students, primary and secondary school students, certain govt priority groups and those continuing their studies at the same institution and level will be exempted.
Additionally, new compliance measures for educational institutions have been gradually taken effect post November 2024 reinforcing Canada's commitment to maintaining high quality education and student welfare.
Quick Canada Students Immigration Updates
- Canada Caps Study Permit Applications for 2025 at 505,162
- Latest IRCC Processing Times Updates as of January 2025
- New Rules for International Students in Canada from January 2025
Provincial and Territorial Study Permit Allocations
To ensure a fair and structured distribution, Canada study permit allocations for 2025 would be categorised into graduate students and other PAL/TAL required applicants. A province by province breakdown would further provide clarity on the number of permits available in each region.
| Province | Graduate Degree Applicants | Remaining PAL/TAL Applicants | Total Study Permits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 21,841 | 94,899 | 116,740 |
| Quebec | 19,683 | 53,294 | 72,977 |
| British Columbia | 20,053 | 33,536 | 53,589 |
| Alberta | 3,887 | 28,773 | 32,660 |
| Manitoba | 1,224 | 8,797 | 10,021 |
| Nova Scotia | 1,954 | 6,343 | 8,297 |
| Saskatchewan | 1,578 | 7,291 | 8,869 |
| New Brunswick | 1,400 | 5,030 | 6,430 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 1,456 | 3,208 | 4,664 |
| Prince Edward Island | 205 | 1,045 | 1,250 |
| Northwest Territories | 0 | 220 | 220 |
| Yukon | 1 | 338 | 339 |
| Nunavut | 0 | 220 | 220 |
| Total | 73,282 | 242,994 | 316,276 |
With these updates, Canada continues to uphold its reputation as a top destination for international students, prioritising a well supported and highly quality academic experience
Graduate Students Allocations Sustained
The 2025 graduate degree student allocations remain consistent with the 2023 allocations levels. This decision ensures that master’s and doctoral students continue to have strong opportunities to pursue higher education in Canada while maintaining manageable growth across provinces and territories.
Enhanced Oversight for Educational Institutions
Starting November 2024 Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada have been required to meet stricter compliance standards to uphold their integrity of Canada's international student system. These measures include mandatory participation in student compliance reporting and verification of acceptance letters
*Institutions that fail to meet these requirements may face temporary suspensions, preventing them from enrolling new schools for up to a year
Experience Canada’s Balanced Approach for International Students in 2025
IRCC's latest initiatives reflect Canada's commitment to maintaining its reputation as a top study destination while addressing local challenges such as housing and student support services. By working closely with Provinces and territories, Canada aims to strengthen its international student program, ensuring a high quality educational experience for students and a sustainable system for the future.
If you are also interested in pursuing higher education in Canada the time is right to get started with your student visa process for September intakes in Canada. Seek GetGIS study abroad assistance to verify your eligibility and prospects.
