Recent data shows that Canada’s tightening of international student inflows has resulted in a sharp decline

Canada is witnessing a sharp slowdown in new international student arrivals, Ottawa’s measures to curb temporary residents (including students) and ease pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services, is showing results according to the recent data released by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

As against 2.93 lakh new student arrivals in 2024, the number dropped sharply to Rs. 1.15 lakh – a decline of about 61 percent.

IRCC points out that if the monthly data is analysed, Aug and Dec show a spike, this is because most study permits are issued before the start of the fall and winter semesters. The drop is starkly visible. Dec 2025, saw new student arrivals of a mere 9,665 as opposed to 29,835 in Dec, 2024.

Official monthly figures show large fluctuations in new study permit holders through 2024 and early 2025, with numbers falling significantly after the introduction of tighter controls.

IRCC counts arrivals based on permits issued in a given month and excludes extensions.

Canada introduced an annual cap on international student study permits in 2024 and later announced further reductions for 2025 and 2026 as part of its long-term immigration plan.

Last Nov, when Canada unveiled its new Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 it sharply curbed the number of temporary residents—especially international students.

To illustrate, the immigration levels plan unveiled last year (2025-2027) had projected an intake of 3.05 lakh students for 2026, this is now down to 1.55 lakh and will marginally decline over the next two years.

Matthew McDonald, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, had told TOI, “The big surprise is a 50% cut to international students - from the earlier projection of 3.05 lakh to 1.50 lakh in 2026. At first glance, the reduction may not seem significant, because we do not anticipate more than 1.50 lakh study permit approvals in 2025.

However, the lower target will also reduce the number of admissions offers that colleges and universities can make, putting further pressure on Canada's international education sector.

The federal government has said it is working to return immigration to “sustainable levels” and reduce the temporary resident population to below 5% of the total population, prompting policy changes including caps on study permits and stricter verification measures.

In addition, over the past few years, IRCC also strengthened the International Student Program by making acceptance-letter verification mandatory, increasing financial proof requirements for applicants from Canadian dollars 10,000 to 20,635 and tightening oversight to prevent fraud. Eligibility for post-graduation work permits was also tightened.

IRCC data from earlier issued study permits shows India remains by far the largest source country, with 3.25 lakh study permits issued to Indian residents in 2023, far exceeding other countries.

The data set also provides details of temporary foreign workers. New worker arrivals in Canada during 2024 was nearly 4 lakh, which nearly halved to 2.09 lakh in 2025.

However, IRCC points out that the country’s immigration system is evolving to support long-term economic growth while achieving sustainable immigration levels. “That’s why we’re helping more temporary residents, people who are already working, studying, and contributing to their communities, become permanent residents.”

It pointed out that during 2025, over 1.88 lakh former temporary residents became permanent residents.

This group accounted for about 48% of new permanent residents during that time.

They are well-integrated, as they usually have a Canadian education, Canadian work experience and strong skills in one or both official languages. Most of them apply for permanent residence through economic programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Programs. “By building on the contributions of those already here, Canada can continue to attract the best and brightest from around the world, while easing pressures on infrastructure, housing and services,” concluded IRCC .