Key Points
- Canada will issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, a 10% reduction from 2024.
- The provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) requirement now applies to master’s and doctoral students and most in-country applicants.
- Exemptions include K-12 students, priority groups, and study permit extensions at the same institution and level of study.
- Quotas have been allocated to provinces and territories, reserving spaces for graduate students.
Overview
Canada continues to adjust its international student visa policy to control immigration levels and reduce pressure on housing and healthcare systems. In 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a cap on study permit applications, reducing international student numbers by 40%. For 2025, Canada has set a national target of 437,000 study permits, marking a further 10% decrease from the 2024 limit.
A key change is the expanded provincial and territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) requirement, which is now applicable to master’s and doctoral students and most applicants within Canada. Graduate students still have reserved study permit allocations, while exchange students and certain exempt groups will not require a PAL/TAL.
Exemptions from PAL/TAL Requirements:
- Primary and secondary school (K-12) students
- Certain priority groups recognized by the Government of Canada
- Existing study permit holders renewing at the same designated learning institution (DLI) and level of study
In addition to the overall cap, the government has issued study permit quotas by province, ensuring that the distribution aligns with regional capacity and educational infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
For Prospective International Students:
- Apply Early: With stricter limits, applicants should secure a PAL/TAL as soon as possible and ensure their chosen institution remains within quota allocations.
- Understand Exemptions: Students in PAL/TAL-exempt categories (such as K-12 applicants) should confirm their eligibility before applying.
For Educational Institutions:
- Monitor Allocation Quotas: Schools must adjust recruitment strategies based on their province’s study permit limits.
Ensure Compliance: Institutions should guide students on PAL/TAL requirements and processing timelines to avoid delays.
For Employers and Stakeholders:
- Prepare for Impact: Reduced study permit approvals may affect industries reliant on international students, such as housing, retail, and part-time employment.
- Support Affected Students: Employers should stay informed about potential work permit changes for international students impacted by the cap.
Canada’s 2025 international student visa cap reflects ongoing efforts to regulate student intake while maintaining opportunities for priority groups. As policy adjustments continue, prospective students and institutions must navigate stricter requirements and limited allocations to secure study permits effectively.
