On January 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a cap on study permit applications for the rest of the year. This significant update, effective from January 22 to December 31, 2025, limits the number of applications the department will process to 505,162.
This policy aims to regulate the influx of temporary residents entering Canada. Here’s a detailed overview of what this cap entails and how it could influence your plans to study in Canada.
Under the new guidelines:
Additionally, application quotas have been allocated to provincial and territorial governments to ensure that regional priorities for international students are addressed.
The federal government’s primary objective is to manage the number of temporary residents in Canada and regulate the issuance of new study permits. This decision aligns with broader reforms to the international student program and aims to maintain sustainable immigration levels.
Certain categories of applicants are not affected by the new cap. These include:
It’s crucial to note that the cap pertains to the number of applications processed, not the number of permits approved. IRCC plans to process up to 505,162 applications but has not disclosed its target for approvals.
In 2024, IRCC:
This year’s cap represents a notable reduction in processing targets for 2025, reflecting IRCC’s data-driven approach that considers historical rejection rates and the likelihood of existing students extending their permits.
Under the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome 305,900 new international students annually. This figure reflects the anticipated arrivals of new students, not the total number of approved permits.
Due to the time lag between permit approvals and students arriving in Canada, the figures for arrivals (“landings”) and application approvals may vary.
If you’re planning to study in Canada, it’s essential to act promptly and submit your application early in 2025. With a reduced cap and consistently high demand, delays could prevent your application from being processed this year.
For those who qualify for exemptions, ensure that you meet the specific criteria to benefit from these exclusions. Stay updated with announcements from IRCC to navigate this process effectively.
Canada remains a premier destination for international students, but the introduction of a cap on study permit applications highlights the importance of strategic planning and timely submissions. Understanding the new regulations and acting quickly will be vital for anyone aspiring to pursue their education in Canada in 2025.