Canada has seen a steep decline in international student visas during the first half of 2025, with nearly 90,000 fewer visas issued compared to the same period last year. The change comes after new limits on student visa approvals introduced in 2024.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the number of approved international study permits fell from 125,034 between January and June 2024 to just 36,417 during the same months in 2025. This represents a 71% year-over-year decrease and highlights the significant impact of the recent measures on international enrolment.
Decline in Applications and Approvals
The drop in issued permits has been accompanied by fewer applications overall. In the first half of 2025, Canada received 302,795 international student visa applications, down from 398,675 in 2024 and more than 575,000 in 2023.
Education observers note that while approval rates are lower due to the cap, the reduced number of applications also signals shifting perceptions among prospective students. The changes introduced over the past two years included stricter requirements and tighter eligibility for post-graduate work permits, which had previously been a major draw for international learners.
For colleges and universities, these figures raise concerns about enrolment stability. Many Canadian institutions have become increasingly reliant on international student tuition over the past decade. With tuition from international learners often several times higher than domestic fees, institutions have used these funds to offset declining public funding and frozen tuition rates in some provinces.
Impact on Students and Institutions
The drop in international student enrolment is already being felt on campuses across the country. Reduced numbers can affect program offerings, support services, and even local economies in communities where international students form a large portion of the population.
For students abroad considering Canada as a study destination, the lower approval rates introduce more uncertainty. The application process is becoming increasingly competitive, meaning prospective students may need to prepare more thoroughly to demonstrate their eligibility.
At the same time, institutions are reassessing their recruitment strategies. Many are expected to adjust their outreach efforts, diversify the countries they target for recruitment, and strengthen support for domestic students to balance enrolment shortfalls.
Educators have also expressed concern that fewer international students in classrooms could reduce cultural exchange and limit opportunities for domestic learners to engage with peers from different backgrounds.
Shaping the Future of International Education in Canada
While the changes in international student visa issuance present challenges, they are also prompting discussions within Canada’s education sector about sustainability and long-term planning. Colleges and universities are exploring ways to maintain high-quality learning experiences while adapting to lower international enrolments.
Some institutions are looking to expand online programs and international partnerships to reach students who may not be able to study in Canada directly. Others are reviewing scholarship offerings and student support systems to remain attractive in a competitive global education market.
For teachers and students, the new reality emphasizes the importance of adaptability. Faculty may see smaller class sizes in some programs, while international students who secure international student visas could benefit from more focused academic support. Domestic students, meanwhile, may experience changes in classroom dynamics as international representation decreases.
The international education landscape in Canada is entering a period of adjustment. As international student visa numbers shift, both learners and institutions will need to adapt to ensure that classrooms remain vibrant, inclusive, and globally connected.
Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/intl-student-permits-drop-1.7624350