Canada sees 60% decline in international student arrivals: IRCC

The steep drop is directly linked to Canada’s decision to cap the intake of international students and implement tighter eligibility norms under the International Student Program. In early 2024, the federal government introduced an annual limit of 3.60 lakh study permits nationwide to “stabilise growth” and address pressures on housing and infrastructure.

According to official data released by the Canadian government, the number of study permit holders saw a sharp decline — dropping from 11,360 in September 2025 to just 3,030 in October 2025.

Read | 47,000 foreign students missing in action in Canada, India tops the list: IRCC

Latest data now available: Between January and October 2025, Canada saw approximately 53% (323,250) fewer arrivals of new students and temporary workers compared to the same period last year:
•60% (153,820) fewer new students
•48% (169,435) fewer new temporary workers

See the… pic.twitter.com/uj0irTXVCw

— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) December 22, 2025

Canada has taken steps to regulate international student inflows. In 2024, the government introduced an annual cap on study permits, with further reductions announced for 2025 and 2026. To strengthen the International Student Program, authorities made acceptance letter reviews mandatory to curb study permit fraud by international students and raised financial requirements to ensure foreign students are better prepared for life in Canada.

Looking ahead, additional reductions in new student arrivals have been planned for 2026–2028 under the Immigration Levels Plan.

Read | ‘No stability’: Canada study permit falls 62%; Indian families weigh costs, PR, & alternatives

Concerns had been growing around the surge of short-term residents, particularly international students, who faced housing shortages, high rents, and limited employment opportunities. The government has said that these changes are meant to ensure better outcomes for both students and host communities.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) changes add to the slowdown

In line with the student cap, Canada has also revised its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, which previously allowed most international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies.

Read | More than 55% international students faced difficulties finding accommodations in Canada

The updated policy now restricts eligibility to programs and institutions that align with national immigration and labour goals. This means certain private college partnerships and shorter-duration programs no longer qualify, leading many prospective students to reconsider their study destinations.

These measures have not only affected new study permit issuances but have also slowed down the transition of international graduates into the labour market, indirectly reducing the overall number of temporary residents.