For the second consecutive year, Canada has announced plans to limit the entry of international students in 2025. The government stated that this decision is aimed at reducing pressure on housing, healthcare, and other public services.
In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry of Immigration announced that Canada would issue study permits for 437,000 students this year, which is 10% less than in 2024.
Over the past few years, a significant number of people from different countries have migrated to Canada, resulting in a severe housing crisis. Consequently, the government reduced the number of study permits for international students in 2024 to control population growth.
How to Get a Canadian Visa Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to step down in March. He has pledged to reduce immigration rates. Recent surveys have shown a significant decline in public support for new immigrants in the country.
In 2023, Canada permitted over 650,000 international students to study in the country. It remains a top destination for students and immigration seekers from developing and underdeveloped countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
According to government data, the number of active visa-holding students in Canada reached nearly one million in 2023. Ten years ago, in 2012, this number was only 275,000.
Impact of Immigration Rapid population growth due to immigration has placed immense pressure on services like healthcare and education in Canada. Housing costs have skyrocketed, further intensifying the government’s challenges. Canada is known for its reputation of providing shelter and work opportunities to immigrants, but rising housing expenses have created significant pressure.
The government has started implementing measures introduced last year to reduce the number of foreign students. As part of this initiative, study permit applicants will now need to submit a certificate of approval from any Canadian province or territory. Students pursuing master’s or post-doctoral studies in the country will also be required to submit this certificate.