Immigration benefits our economy, but when bad actors exploit the system and take advantage of students, we take firm action," said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Following this statement, it was announced that Canada will issue 35% fewer study permits for 2024, with an additional 10% reduction planned for 2025.
Specifically, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue just 437,000 study permits in 2025. According to the department, this number is based on a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000 new study permits issued, and then stabilizing the intake cap for 2026. IRCC expects this to result in 300,000 fewer study permits being issued to international students over the next few years.
This reduction means fewer opportunities for international students, as the demand for study permits far exceeds the available spots. With limited seats, competition will intensify, making it more challenging for students to secure their place in Canadian institutions.
Since April 2023, Canada’s unemployment rate has risen by 1.5 percentage points, reaching 6.6% in August 2024. This increase brought the number of unemployed individuals to 1.5 million, a rise of 60,000 from the previous month. In response, new measures aim to reduce the number of temporary residents on work permits.
The reduction in study permits aims to curb system abuse but will increase competition, making it harder for students to study in Canada. This may reduce Canada’s appeal as a top education destination, affecting student opportunities and university revenues. In the long run, it could harm Canada’s reputation as a welcoming country and add financial pressure on both students and institutions.
What do you think about Canada’s decision to cut study permits? While it may help protect the labor market and prevent system abuse, it could also make it harder for deserving students to access education in Canada. Do you believe this is a fair move for international students, or could it hurt Canada’s appeal as a study destination in the long run?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Is this reduction a necessary step to safeguard the system, or should Canada explore alternative solutions to address these challenges? Let us know what you think!