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Canada’s International Students in 2025: Where Will They Go?
On This Page, You Will Find:
- A summary of the key changes to Canada’s international student program for 2025.
- Details about the study permit cap and PAL/TAL requirements.
- A province-by-province breakdown of study permit allocations for 2025.
- The impact of new rules for designated learning institutions (DLIs).
- Insights into how these changes will affect international students and Canada’s education system.
Key Updates to the International Student Program
1. 2025 Study Permit Cap
For 2025, IRCC has capped the total number of study permits at 437,000, representing a 10% decrease from the 2024 cap. This reduction builds on a 2024 initiative that reduced the number of international students by 40%, helping to ease pressures in areas with high student populations.
Graduate students, who were previously exempt from the cap, are now included under the new regulations, ensuring sustainable growth in this sector.
2. PAL/TAL Requirements
Most applicants for study permits must now submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) as part of their application. These letters help provinces and territories manage international student numbers more effectively.
- Exemptions apply to:
- Kindergarten to grade 12 (K–12) students.
- Certain Government of Canada priority groups and vulnerable cohorts.
- Existing study permit holders applying for an extension at the same designated learning institution (DLI) and level of study.
2025 Study Permit Allocations by Province and Territory
Here is a detailed breakdown of study permits expected to be issued in 2025 across Canada:
| Province/Territory | Graduate Students | Other PAL/TAL-Required Students | Total Permits |
| Alberta | 3,887 | 28,773 | 32,660 |
| British Columbia | 20,053 | 33,536 | 53,589 |
| Manitoba | 1,224 | 8,797 | 10,021 |
| New Brunswick | 1,400 | 5,030 | 6,430 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 1,456 | 3,208 | 4,664 |
| Northwest Territories | 0 | 220 | 220 |
| Nova Scotia | 1,954 | 6,343 | 8,297 |
| Nunavut | 0 | 220 | 220 |
| Ontario | 21,841 | 94,899 | 116,740 |
| Prince Edward Island | 205 | 1,045 | 1,250 |
| Quebec | 19,683 | 53,294 | 72,977 |
| Saskatchewan | 1,578 | 7,291 | 8,869 |
| Yukon | 1 | 338 | 339 |
| Total | 73,282 | 242,994 | 316,276 |
These allocations indicate the maximum number of study permit applications that provinces and territories can process for PAL/TAL-required cohorts in 2025.
3. Focus on Graduate Students
Graduate students now fall under the capped system, with allocations based on 2023 permit levels. This ensures controlled growth and aligns with the capacity of provinces to accommodate advanced degree students. Ontario and Quebec lead with the highest graduate student allocations, hosting 21,841 and 19,683 graduate students, respectively.
4. New Rules for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
As of November 2024, DLIs must meet stricter compliance requirements:
- Student Compliance Reporting: DLIs must regularly verify students’ academic status.
- Letter of Acceptance Verification: Institutions must ensure authenticity during admissions.
Non-compliant DLIs risk suspension, preventing them from admitting new international students for up to a year.
How These Changes Affect Students
The new measures aim to:
- Promote Balanced Growth: Allocations by province ensure international student populations align with local capacity in housing and services.
- Focus on Sustainability: Including graduate students under the cap prevents overcrowding in advanced education programs.
- Maintain Access for Exempt Groups: Exemptions for K–12 and exchange students ensure essential education pathways and reciprocal agreements remain unaffected.
Implications for Provinces and Territories
Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec remain the top destinations for international students, accounting for the majority of study permits. These provinces are well-equipped with universities and infrastructure to support higher education. Smaller provinces like Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador are seeing more modest allocations, reflecting their smaller capacity for international students.
What’s Next for International Education in Canada?
Canada’s international education system continues to evolve with these changes. The focus on capping student numbers and increasing compliance at DLIs ensures the program remains sustainable while still attracting talent from around the world.
As we approach 2025, students planning to study in Canada must:
- Check whether they require a PAL or TAL.
- Choose provinces based on allocations and program availability.
- Ensure their chosen DLI complies with new regulations.
FAQ: Canada’s International Student Allocations for 2025
Why did Canada reduce the study permit cap for 2025?
Canada reduced the cap to address challenges in housing, healthcare, and public services caused by high student populations. By limiting study permits to 437,000, IRCC aims to ensure sustainable growth in the international student sector while easing pressures in areas with a high density of students.
What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL)?
A PAL or TAL is a document required for most study permit applicants. It verifies that a province or territory can accommodate the student. This measure helps manage international student numbers and ensures provincial resources, such as housing and healthcare, can support the incoming students.
Are any students exempt from submitting a PAL or TAL?
Yes, certain groups are exempt, including K–12 students, existing permit holders extending their studies at the same institution and level, and specific Government of Canada priority groups. Exchange students are also exempt from preserving reciprocal agreements with other countries.
How do the changes affect graduate students?
Graduate students are now included under the capped system to manage their numbers sustainably. Allocations for graduate students in 2025 are based on 2023 levels. This ensures the program can support advanced education without overwhelming provincial capacities for housing and other services.
How will the new rules impact designated learning institutions (DLIs)?
Starting in November 2024, DLIs must comply with stricter rules, including student compliance reporting and verifying letters of acceptance. Non-compliant institutions risk suspension, which would prevent them from admitting new international students for up to a year. These measures aim to improve program integrity.
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