Canada has lowered the number of study permits it will issue in 2025 to 437,000. This is a 10% drop from last year, as the government looks to manage housing and public services better.
Why Did Canada Reduce Permits?
Over the years, Canada has become a top destination for students, especially from India. But with the surge in international students, the pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services has been rising.
By April 2024, over a million study permits were active. To address this, Canada introduced limits in September 2024, reducing student arrivals by 40%. This helped stabilize rents in some areas. The government’s latest step builds on that progress.
New Rules for 2025 Applicants
From 2025 onward, most applicants must submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). These confirm that the province or territory has space for them under the cap. Even master’s and doctoral students are now included in this requirement.
Who Doesn’t Need a PAL or TAL?
Some groups are exempt, including:
Kindergarten to Grade 12 students. Priority or vulnerable groups identified by the government. Students renewing a study permit at the same school and program.Permit Allocations by Region
Out of 437,000 permits for 2025, 120,724 will go to students exempt from PAL/TAL. The remaining 316,276 will go to those required to submit these documents. Here’s a quick look at the allocation:
Ontario: 116,740 permits (21,841 for graduate students). Quebec: 72,977 permits (19,683 for graduate students). British Columbia: 53,489 permits (20,053 for graduate students). Alberta: 32,660 permits (3,887 for graduate students).These numbers aim to manage resources better while keeping Canada attractive to international students.
Tips for Students
If you plan to study in Canada in 2025, start preparing early. The reduced cap means tougher competition, so make sure all your paperwork, including a PAL or TAL if required, is ready well in advance.