Canada’s student visa surge ends: Why new arrivals just plummeted by a staggering 97%
Canada International Students Cap 2026: IRCC says its “new student arrivals” data is based on study permits issued in a given month, not the number of students physically entering Canada.
The sharp fall in new students has financial implications for Canadian institutions that rely heavily on international tuition fees. (Photo: AI Generated)
Canada Study Permit Cap 2026: Canada has recorded a sharp decline in new international student arrivals after the federal government tightened controls on study permits, according to the latest data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
IRCC’s monthly figures show that only 2,485 new study permits were issued in November 2025, marking one of the lowest monthly totals in recent years. By contrast, 95,320 study permits were issued in December 2023, a peak month ahead of winter intakes. This comparison has led to reports of a 97% decline in new student arrivals.
What the IRCC numbers measure
IRCC says its “new student arrivals” data is based on study permits issued in a given month, not the number of students physically entering Canada.
The department counts approvals that result in a study permit during that month. Extensions, asylum claimants and existing students are excluded. IRCC says the data is designed to show new pressure on housing and public services, rather than the total number of international students already living in the country.
Why the drop looks so steep
IRCC notes that December and August are peak months, as permits are issued ahead of winter and fall semesters. Comparing November 2025 with December 2023 therefore exaggerates the scale of the fall.
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Even so, the broader trend shows a sustained decline. IRCC data shows that 60% fewer new international students were issued permits between January and November 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.
Why student numbers fell so fast
IRCC has said the decline reflects deliberate policy changes aimed at reducing the temporary resident population.
“These figures are a clear sign that the measures we’ve put in place are working,” IRCC said in public reporting, linking the drop to efforts to ease pressure on housing, healthcare and services.
A national cap on the number of study permit applications accepted
Provincial and territorial attestation letters (PAL/TAL), without which applications can be returned unprocessed Higher financial requirements for applicants Mandatory verification of letters of acceptance, in place since December 2023, to curb fraud
What this means for colleges and universities
The sharp fall in new students has financial implications for Canadian institutions that rely heavily on international tuition fees. Lower first-year enrolment can affect budgets, staffing and course viability, particularly at colleges with large international intakes.
IRCC has confirmed the cap will remain in place in 2026. It expects to issue up to 408,000 study permits, including extensions. From January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions will be exempt from PAL and TAL requirements, though the overall cap remains.
Canada has not closed its doors to international students. However, the system is now more selective, with stricter limits, stronger checks and fewer approvals. Applicants with solid finances, genuine offers and complete documentation are more likely to succeed under the new rules.
Mashkoora Khan is a journalist and sub-editor on the global desk at The Indian Express. She actively covers issues around Canada visa, immigration policy, global affairs, and international developments.
A trained multimedia journalist, she focuses on producing clear, accurate, and reader-centric explainers on policy-driven subjects that directly affect cross-border mobility and global audiences.
Experience
Mashkoora has worked across digital newsrooms and independent media platforms, with bylines in national and international publications including Al Jazeera, Down to Earth, The Wire, and Maktoob. Her professional experience spans breaking news, policy explainers, live coverage, and multimedia reporting.
At The Indian Express, she is part of the global desk, where she contributes to daily international coverage and plays a role in editing and producing stories on foreign policy, immigration systems, and regulatory changes — particularly those related to Canada’s study, work, and permanent residence pathways.
Expertise
Her core areas of reporting include:
• Canada visa and immigration: Coverage of policy updates, eligibility changes, application processes, and government announcements, with an emphasis on factual explainers and verified information.
• Global affairs: Reporting on international politics, diplomacy, and geopolitical developments.
• Migration and human impact: Stories that examine how policy decisions affect individuals, families, and migrant communities.
Her work prioritises accuracy, sourcing, and context, helping readers navigate complex systems without speculation or exaggeration.
Authoritativeness and trustworthiness
Mashkoora's reporting is grounded in official data, government releases, and on-record sources, in line with The Indian Express’ editorial standards. Her articles aim to distinguish clearly between verified information and developing updates, making her coverage a reliable reference point for readers seeking clarity on international and immigration-related issues. ... Read More
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The sharp fall in new students has financial implications for Canadian institutions that rely heavily on international tuition fees. (Photo: AI Generated) 
