Canada is witnessing a sharp drop in international students arriving in Canada for higher studies. This is one of the most dramatic shift in the country’s immigration history. Under the Immigration levels plan of 2025-2027, the federal government has capped study permits and introduced stricter immigration rules to ensure immigration remains sustainable.
International Student Arrivals See Historic Decline
If we look into the recently published government data on study permits issuance(as of June 30,2025) it reveals:
- 88,617 fewer international students arrived between Jan–June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
- In June 2025 alone, just 4,185 new students entered Canada — far below previous years.
- But still as of mid-2025, there are 546,562 active study permit holders, a number expected to shrink further in coming months.
Table on Recent Number of International Students
| 📅 Month | 📝 Number of Permits |
|---|---|
| Dec-23 | 95,353 |
| Jan-24 | 27,579 |
| Feb-24 | 9,244 |
| Mar-24 | 16,875 |
| Apr-24 | 45,806 |
| May-24 | 14,243 |
| Jun-24 | 11,287 |
| Jul-24 | 17,138 |
| Aug-24 | 79,820 |
| Sep-24 | 28,924 |
| Oct-24 | 6,527 |
| Nov-24 | 5,993 |
| Dec-24 | 29,853 |
| Jan-25 | 11,235 |
| Feb-25 | 4,082 |
| Mar-25 | 3,819 |
| Apr-25 | 8,543 |
| May-25 | 4,553 |
| Jun-25 | 4,185 |
We can see a big spike in number in the months of December , April and August as these are the months when international students arrive in Canada for Winter, Spring and Summer intake.
Why Are Fewer Students Coming to Canada?
Canada has taken multiple measures to reduce the flow of new international students to Canada:
- Annual cap on study permits introduced in 2024, followed by an additional 10% reduction in 2025.
- Stricter Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, making it harder for students to stay after studies.
- End of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in some regions e.g. India.
- Higher financial requirements for study permit applicants.
- Limited work permits for spouses of international students.
Fewer intake of international students has resulted in some easing on Canadian housing shortage and high consumer inflation but on the other side Canadian colleges and universities are struggling financially as international students pay 4-5 times of tuition paid by domestic students.
FAQs on International Students in Canada (2025)
Q1: Why is Canada reducing the number of international students?
Answer: To ease housing shortages, reduce pressure on services, and stabilize immigration growth. We also know that currently Canada is struggling with job losses and stagnant economy. Trump tariffs working as oil in the blaze.
Q2: Can students still apply for study permits in 2025?
Yes, but under a reduced cap, meaning fewer approvals compared to past years. So we advice students to apply in good public colleges and universities to improve your chances of getting approval. Always select PGWP approved program and DLI.
Q3: Will studying in Canada still lead to PR?
Yes — but only for students meeting stricter PNP and Express Entry requirements. Now days Canada is favoring healthcare workers, skilled trade workers and French speaker over others for permanent residency.
