The Canadian government has introduced a significant update for international students planning to study in Canada. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has once again capped the number of study permit applications it will process this year at 505,162.
This cap will be effective from January 22, 2025, through December 31, 2025. The new study permit cap underscores Canada’s effort to balance its welcoming immigration policies with practical considerations.
Why Has Canada Introduced a Cap?
The federal government has implemented this cap to manage the issuance of new study permits and limit the growth of temporary residents in Canada. The goal is to balance the benefits of welcoming international students with available infrastructure, such as housing and educational resources.
What Does the Cap Mean for Applicants?
The cap represents the number of applications IRCC will process, not the number of approved permits. It is also mandatory for the international students to understand that once the cap is reached:
- Applications submitted after the limit will not be processed.
- Fees for unprocessed applications will be refunded.
Who Is Exempt from the Cap?
Certain groups of applicants are exempt from this cap. If you fall into any of the categories below, your application will still be processed:
| Exemption Category | Details |
| Study permit renewal | Renewals for the same institution and same level of study. |
| Special cases | Includes those under unenforceable removal orders with valid temporary resident permits. |
| Sponsored applicants | Applicants sponsored by Canadian loved ones under inland sponsorship programs. |
| Protected persons | Protected persons or applicants with exemption orders linked to their permanent residency applications. |
| Exchange students | Students enrolled in exchange programs at Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). |
| Federal institution students | Applicants studying at federal government-administered institutions. |
| Scholarship recipients | Students funded by Global Affairs Canada scholarships. |
| Francophone Pilot participants | Applicants under the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot. |
| Indigenous applicants | Indigenous persons and their families covered under specific public policies. |
Applications Processed vs. Applications Approved
It’s important to understand the difference between applications processed and approved which is:
- Processed Applications: The cap of 505,162 represents the total number of applications IRCC will review in 2025.
- Approved Applications: The actual number of study permits approved depends on rejection rates and extensions by students already in Canada.
Key Numbers and Study Permit Trends
Here’s how this year’s cap compares to previous years:
| Year | Applications Processed | Applications Approved |
| 2024 | 606,250 | 364,000 |
| 2025 | 505,162 | To be announced |
Additionally, Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims to welcome 305,900 new students annually. However, this number reflects the students arriving in Canada and does not directly correlate with approved study permits, as processing and arrival times often differ.
What Should You Do?
If you’re planning to apply for a Canadian study permit in 2025, here’s how to proceed:
- Submit Your Application Early: Apply as soon as possible to secure your spot within the cap.
- Check Your Exemption Status: If you qualify for an exemption, ensure your application clearly highlights it.
- Stay Informed: Monitor updates from IRCC about processing and approval targets.
Changes for Study Permits and PGWP
The IRCC announced back in September 2024 about the changes for study permits and PGWP applicants. At that time, it was also confirmed that the country wants to further cap the international study permits for next year.
According to the official announcements made at that time, a 10% less quota has been set for 2025 compared with 2024. Further changes announced were as follows:
| New changes | Details |
| 2025 Study Permit Cap | 437,000 (a 10% reduction from the 2024 target). Now it has been increased to 505,162 |
| 2026 Study Permit Cap | Stabilized at 2025 level (437,000 study permits) |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Update | Updating in fall 2024 to align with immigration goals and labor market needs |
| Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses (Students), later this year | Only the spouses of master’s degree students whose programs last at least 16 months will be eligible for work permits. |
| New language requirements for PGWP | New language requirements under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Starting from November 1, 2024, university graduates will need to meet a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7, and college graduates will need a CLB level 5 to apply for a PGWP. |