Canada has decided how many study permits will be given to international students in 2025. The total number will be 437,000, which is 10% less than in 2024.
In 2024, Canada set a limit on study permit applications to keep the program strong and reduce pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services. This change has lowered the number of international students by about 40% and made it easier to find rental housing in areas with many students.
Since the cap was introduced last year, most study permit applicants have had to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). Now, this rule also applies to master’s and doctoral students, as well as most applicants already in Canada.
Students who already have a study permit and are applying for an extension at the same school and study level do not need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL). Also, provinces, territories, and schools cannot use any unused permits from the previous year.
For 2025, Canada plans to issue 437,000 study permits. Out of these, 120,724 will be given to students who do not need a PAL/TAL, while 316,267 will go to students who must submit one.
Even though the number of international graduate students has been growing steadily, Canada has included them under the cap as a precaution to manage future numbers. Each province and territory will issue the same number of graduate student permits in 2025 as they did in 2023.
Starting in November 2024, designated learning institutions (DLIs) must take part in student compliance reporting and verify letters of acceptance. Schools that fail to follow these rules may be suspended for up to a year and will not be able to accept new international students during that time.
Note:Rules are subject to change with time, so ensure to verify the latest information from official immigration websites.
