To strengthen its International Student Program and ensure sustainability, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new measures for study permit allocations in 2025. These changes build on the 2024 study permit cap, further refining the system to balance student intake with housing, healthcare, and other essential services.
Study Permit Cap for 2025: A 10% Reduction
For 2025, IRCC will issue a total of 437,000 study permits, marking a 10% decrease from 2024. This decision aims to manage the demand for student-related resources while continuing to welcome international talent. The 2024 cap had already reduced the number of incoming international students by approximately 40%, easing rental market pressures in high-density student areas.
New Requirements: Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL)
In 2024, most study permit applicants were required to submit a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL). In 2025, this requirement is now extended to include:
- Master’s and doctoral students
- Most applicants applying from within Canada
To balance this restriction, reserved spaces have been allocated specifically for graduate students.
Additionally, a new exemption has been introduced for exchange students, ensuring Canadian students continue to benefit from reciprocal agreements for international study.
Groups Exempt from PAL/TAL Requirements
- Kindergarten to Grade 12 students
- Certain Government of Canada priority groups and vulnerable cohorts
- Existing study permit holders applying for an extension at the same DLI and study level
2025 Study Permit Allocations by Category
The 437,000 study permits for 2025 are distributed as follows:
- Graduate degree students: 73,282
- Kindergarten to Grade 12 students (PAL/TAL-exempt): 72,200
- All other PAL/TAL-exempt applicants: 48,524
- PAL/TAL-required students: 242,994
Of the total, 120,724 study permits will be issued to PAL/TAL-exempt students, while 316,267 will go to PAL/TAL-required students.
Study Permit Allocations by Province/Territory
The study permits for PAL/TAL-required students are distributed as follows:
- Ontario: 116,740
- British Columbia: 53,589
- Quebec: 72,977
- Alberta: 32,660
- Manitoba: 10,021
- Nova Scotia: 8,297
- Saskatchewan: 8,869
- Other provinces and territories: 13,123
Allocations are the maximum number of study permit applications that can be processed per province or territory. These numbers are based on approval rates from 2023 and 2024 to ensure balanced student distribution.
Compliance Measures for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
As of November 2024, new regulations require DLIs to participate in student compliance reporting and letter of acceptance verification. Institutions that fail to comply risk suspension for up to one year, preventing them from admitting new international students.
With these new study permit caps and stricter compliance rules, Canada aims to maintain a balanced and sustainable international student program. While opportunities remain strong, international students must carefully navigate new requirements, including PAL/TAL obligations and DLI compliance rules.
If you’re an international student planning to study in Canada, expert guidance is essential. Our immigration consultants can help you understand the latest rules, secure necessary documentation, and maximize your chances of success. Contact us today for a consultation on your study permit application!
