Canada Student Visa Approvals Hit 5-Year Low
Recent statistics reveal that Canada is tightening its regulations on student permits, impacting international students hoping to study in this diverse country.
Overview of Student Visa Trends in Canada
Recently, data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicated a significant drop in the approval of study permits, hitting a five-year low. In the first half of 2025, only 48,065 permits were issued—a 52% decrease compared to nearly 100,000 permits approved during the same period in 2024. The second quarter of 2025 was particularly stark, with just 17,885 approvals, far below previous years’ figures.
This decline aligns with Canada’s decision to enforce stricter measures for managing international student intake, including a cap on study permit approvals starting in 2024. These changes can help you understand the current landscape if you are considering studying or working in Canada.
The Recent Trends: A Quick Look
The trend for study permits has displayed steady growth from 2021 to 2024, with approvals escalating from 53,150 permits in early 2021 to an impressive peak of 99,950 in 2024. However, the sharp reversal in 2025 is concerning, especially given that the data reflects the lowest numbers seen in recent years.
For a clearer perspective, here’s a quick breakdown of approvals over the last five years:
| Year | Quarter | Visas Approved |
| 2021 | Q1 | 25,255 |
| Q2 | 27,895 | |
| Total | 53,150 | |
| 2022 | Q1 | 32,470 |
| Q2 | 49,710 | |
| Total | 82,180 | |
| 2023 | Q1 | 25,725 |
| Q2 | 70,300 | |
| Total | 96,025 | |
| 2024 | Q1 | 44,290 |
| Q2 | 55,660 | |
| Total | 99,950 | |
| 2025 | Q1 | 30,160 |
| Q2 | 17,885 | |
| Total | 48,045 |
Source: IRCC
Why the Drop in Approvals?
The recent decline in study permit approvals is largely related to Canada’s decision to introduce a cap on new study permits, which began in early 2024. This measure aims to stabilize the number of international students while addressing challenges related to housing, living costs, and public services across provinces and territories.
In January 2024, the cap was set at approximately 364,000 permits annually, as a temporary step towards managing student intake in a sustainable manner. Additionally, the Canadian government has proposed cutting the number of international students by 10% in 2025 and implemented stricter regulations around work permits for students.
If you’re thinking about moving to Canada, understanding these shifts in policy is crucial. It may influence your options for studying and eventually finding a job. As an international applicant, you’ll want to explore avenues like visa sponsorship and pathways to permanent residency (PR), especially if you’re planning for a long-term stay.
A solid resource for finding Canadian jobs that support visa sponsorship is our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, where you can explore a variety of opportunities tailored specifically for international applicants.
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