On January 24, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shared updates about the changes made over the past year to better prepare international students like you for life in Canada, enhance the program, and meet the country’s evolving needs.
In 2024, IRCC introduced a cap on the number of study permit applications it could process. This measure was designed to strengthen the program and reduce strain on housing, health care, and other services. As a result, the number of international students entering Canada decreased by about 40%, easing rental market pressures in areas with high student populations.
For 2025, the provincial and territorial allocations have been finalized, and IRCC plans to issue a total of 437,000 study permits, representing a 10% decrease from the 2024 cap.
To adapt to the changes, most study permit applicants now need to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). This includes master’s and doctoral students, as well as many applicants within Canada. If you are a graduate student, spaces are being specifically reserved for you. Additionally, exchange students are exempt from this requirement, ensuring Canadian students continue to benefit from international study agreements.
Certain groups remain exempt from submitting a PAL/TAL, such as:
- Kindergarten to grade 12 students.
- Priority groups and vulnerable cohorts identified by the Government of Canada.
- Current study permit holders applying for an extension at the same designated learning institution (DLI) and level of study.
The 2025 study permit targets include:
- Graduate degree students: 73,282
- Kindergarten to grade 12 students (PAL/TAL-exempt): 72,200
- Other PAL/TAL-exempt groups: 48,524
- Remaining PAL/TAL-required applicants: 242,994
Of the 437,000 permits expected to be issued, 120,724 are projected to come from PAL/TAL-exempt groups, and 316,276 from PAL/TAL-required cohorts.
Here’s the provincial and territorial breakdown for PAL/TAL-required permits:
- Alberta: 32,660
- British Columbia: 53,589
- Ontario: 116,740
- Quebec: 72,977
…and others, as outlined in the detailed allocations.
Each province and territory’s allocation represents the maximum number of applications that can be processed for PAL/TAL-required groups. These allocations are based on approval rates from 2023 and 2024 to ensure targets are met.
Graduate student allocations remain consistent with 2023 levels, reflecting sustainable growth in this sector. Additionally, unused allocations or PAL/TALs cannot be carried over into future years.
Starting November 2024, DLIs are now required to participate in compliance reporting and letter of acceptance verification. Failure to comply could result in suspension for up to one year, preventing them from accepting new international students.
IRCC will continue working with provinces and territories to strengthen the International Student Program for your benefit.