Canada announces 10% reduction in the intake cap for international student study permits

It has lowered target from 485,000 to 437,000

This move follows a record high of 500,000 permits issued in 2023

In a significant setback for Indian students wishing to study in Canada, the Canadian government has announced a 10% reduction in the intake cap for international student study permits for 2025, lowering the target from 485,000 to 437,000. This move follows a record high of 500,000 permits issued in 2023. The cap for 2026 will remain unchanged from the previous year, with master’s and doctoral students now required to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter as part of their application.

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This decision is poised to have a considerable impact on Indian students, who represent nearly 40% of all international students in Canada. Data from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) highlights a dramatic increase in Indian immigration to Canada, rising from 32,828 in 2013 to 139,715 in 2023—a staggering 326% increase. Furthermore, Indian enrollment in Canadian universities surged more than 5,800% over the last two decades, growing from just 2,181 in 2000 to 128,928 in 2021.

According to the Indian government, approximately 1.335 million Indian students are currently studying abroad, with about 427,000 of them in Canada. The new intake limits are likely to create additional challenges for prospective students aiming to further their education in Canada.