Why is Canada reducing the number of international students?

Canada is actively working to decrease its temporary foreign population through policy changes affecting study and work permits.

How has Canada's policy changed for international students?

Canada has tightened study permit rules, requiring attestation letters and reducing the overall number of permits issued.

Are international students still eligible for post-graduation work permits in Canada?

Eligibility for post-graduation work permits has been restricted, with certain students and programs no longer qualifying.

Home / Education / Canada Cuts Student Visas by 60%

Canada Cuts Student Visas by 60%

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

International student arrivals dropped by 60% in nine months.
Canada plans a 10% decrease in study permits for 2025.
Post-graduation work permit rules have been tightened.

Canada has implemented a policy to reduce its temporary foreign population, leading to a substantial decline in international student numbers. Between January and September 2025, the country saw a 60% decrease in new international student arrivals compared to the previous year. This trend continued into September 2025, with a 60% drop in new student arrivals.

The Canadian government aims to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, marking a 10% reduction from the 2024 cap. The application process has also been made more stringent, requiring an attestation letter from a province or territory for all study permit applications.

Furthermore, changes to post-graduation work permits are in effect. Starting September 1, 2024, students in curriculum licensing arrangements are ineligible for these permits. Open work permits are now restricted to spouses of international students pursuing master's and doctoral programs only.