What Happened?
Canada has introduced a national cap on study permits and tightened financial requirements for international students.
As a result, new international student arrivals fell dramatically:
- Only 2,485 new study permits were issued in November 2025
- This is 97% lower than the 95,000+ permits issued in December 2023
The data comes from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and was reported by the Indian Express on 24 January 2026.
Key Details About the Drop
- Between January and November 2025, study-permit approvals were 60% lower than the same period in 2024.
- IRCC clarified that these numbers refer to permits issued, not actual physical entry.
- The government aims to reduce the temporary-resident population to 5% by 2027 and ease pressure on housing and health services.
Impact on Canadian Colleges and Universities
- Public colleges
- Many rely on international tuition for up to 40% of revenue
- Fewer students could lead to program cuts, layoffs, and higher domestic tuition fees
- Private career colleges
- Already under scrutiny for quality
- A drastic drop in enrollment threatens their survival
Smaller institutions and programs heavily reliant on international students are most at risk.
Guidance for Prospective Students
To succeed under the new system, students should focus on:
- Strong financial proof
- Verified letters of acceptance
- Programs linked to labour-shortage occupations
Exemptions:
- Master’s and PhD candidates at public institutions do not require provincial attestation letters
Services like VisaHQ and expert consultants can help students navigate these stricter rules and avoid mistakes.
Implications for Employers
- Fewer first-year students now means smaller pipelines of post-graduation workers from 2028 onward
- Affected sectors include:
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Entry-level tech support
- Employers may need to adjust talent strategies by focusing more on domestic co-op students or offshore talent
Big Picture
- Short-term: massive decline in new student arrivals
- Medium-term: strain on colleges, revenue, and programs
- Long-term: fewer skilled international workers entering Canada
For prospective students: careful planning, verified finances, and choosing priority programs are now essential.
Need Expert Guidance on Studying in Canada?
WAC Immigration can help you:
- Understand the latest study-permit rules
- Prepare strong, complete applications
- Navigate financial and document requirements
- Maximize your chances of approval under the new cap
Contact Us Today:
📞 DHA Phase 3 Branch: +92 310 7203666
📞 Garden Town Branch: +92 310 7205666
📞Gujrat Branch: +92 326 9616034
📩 Email: info@wacconsultants.com
Our experts are ready to guide you step-by-step and ensure a smooth study-permit process for Canada.