Canada’s International Student Visa Applications Drop

By Visa Jobs CanadaSeptember 4, 2025September 4, 2025International Students & GraduatesCanadian immigration, international student visas, study in canada, visa sponsorship, work permits

If you’re considering studying in Canada, there’s some important news to share with you. Recently, the number of study permits issued to international students has significantly decreased. In the first half of 2024, Canada issued around 125,000 international study permits; however, that figure plummeted to approximately 36,400 in the same period for 2025. This drop is largely attributed to a new cap on international student visas introduced by the Canadian government early this year.

So, what does this mean for you as an international job seeker? First, let’s understand a little about the changes in the immigration landscape. The Canadian government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has expressed a commitment to attracting top global talent to support economic growth. While exact reasons for the reduction in permits haven’t been disclosed, IRCC representatives have mentioned working closely with educational institutions to ensure a sustainable future for international students.

Changes Affecting International Students

In the past decade, many Canadian colleges and universities have worked hard to recruit international students to offset declining domestic funding and tuition freezes. These institutions often significantly rely on tuition from international students, which can be several times higher than what domestic students pay. With the introduction of stricter criteria for obtaining study permits and the cap on permits—down by 35% for undergraduates over two years—it’s clear that pursuing studies in Canada might come with some new hurdles.

Pathways After Study: Work Permits in Canada

If your goal is to not just study but also work in Canada afterward, you might be interested in the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program. Previously, there were clearer pathways for students to obtain work permits after their studies, making it easier to transition to the Canadian workforce, potentially leading to permanent residency (PR). However, eligibility criteria for the PGWP have also tightened recently, which could affect your job prospects after graduation.

If you’re exploring job opportunities from overseas, you’ll find that every listing on VisaJobsCanada.com includes visa support. This means that employers are often looking for candidates who can make a real contribution to their teams, with visa sponsorship aimed at talented individuals, just like you.

Navigating the Immigration Landscape

Understanding terms like Express Entry (a system for managing applications for permanent residency), PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) (which allows provinces to nominate individuals for PR), and LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) (a document that an employer in Canada may need to obtain for hiring foreign workers) can be helpful as you chart your course. Having a grasp of these pathways helps you navigate the complexities of securing work permits and eventually applying for PR.

Given the evolving policies, international students and job seekers might face additional challenges, but Canada remains a welcoming country for those who bring skills and determination. Educational institutions are adapting, and there may be opportunities in the future for work once you have completed your studies.

What This Means for Your Opportunities

The tightening of study permits can serve as a reminder to explore all available options. If your plan involves studying in Canada, it might be wise to stay updated on immigration changes and how they impact work opportunities. Working in Canada can indeed pave the way for permanent residency, especially if you strategize your career steps effectively.

In summary, while changes in study permit policies may seem discouraging, there are still many pathways available for skilled individuals aiming to invest their talents in Canada. The landscape may be shifting, but the potential for a rewarding career in Canada remains bright.