Canada’s International Student Drop: Impact of Policy Changes

If you’re considering a move to Canada, especially as an international student or skilled worker, understanding the current trends around study permits can be crucial. Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals a significant shift in the number of study permits issued in 2024, totalling 267,890. This marks a surprising 48% decrease from the previous year and falls far short of the 360,000 target that the government had set for the year under new federal caps.

In January 2024, the IRCC introduced a two-year cap on new study permits aimed at reducing approvals by around 35% compared to 2023. The aim was to limit the approvals to approximately 364,000, not counting renewals or extensions. While this decision was likely made with good intentions to manage the influx of applications, it has had unforeseen negative impacts.

By the end of 2024, Canada was hosting about 997,820 international students, which is a slight decrease of 4% from the previous year when over a million students were enrolled. Many industry experts and advocates argue the cap has driven potential students away from Canada. Gonzalo Peralta, the executive director of Languages Canada, expressed concern that the cutbacks are “shutting out students and destabilizing Canada’s Official Languages education sector,” as reported by The PIE News.

Interestingly, forecasts from ApplyBoard anticipated a 45% decline in permit approvals. This closely mirrored the actual figures, highlighting the need for a more balanced policy approach. Larissa Bezo, president of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), reported on these diminishing trends, stating that early figures from the first quarter of 2025 indicate that the situation has worsened.

Worryingly, the approval rate for students from India dropped to 28% in January 2025, a drastic decrease from 81% the previous year. Among Canada’s top source countries, only Bangladesh showed a slight improvement. Unfortunately, many others, including Algeria and Ghana, faced even lower approval rates—just 6% and 5%.

Moreover, the declining application rates suggest a waning interest in Canada as a popular study destination, with rates down 35% from 2023 to 2024. Factors contributing to this decline include uncertainties surrounding work permits for post-graduate students, dependents, and master’s programmes.

Since late 2023, Canada has also introduced new measures for international students that might further influence decision-making for potential applicants. One significant change was announced in early December 2023, stating that study permit applicants must now demonstrate a minimum of CA$20,635 (about US$15,017) in available funds. This is a considerable increase from the previous requirement of CA$10,000.

These changes can have a big impact on international job seekers who may wish to secure jobs that offer visa sponsorship post-study. If you’re exploring potential job opportunities in Canada, our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, is a dedicated platform that focuses specifically on Canadian jobs that provide visa support for international applicants. Each listing includes information about visa sponsorship, making it easier for you to find positions that match your professional aspirations and immigration needs.

In summary, while Canada remains a desirable destination for education and work, recent trends in study permits indicate a need for careful consideration if you’re planning to come over. Staying informed about the current policies and how they might impact your plans is essential. We’re here to help you navigate this process and find opportunities that fit your journey.