IRCC announces further reduction to international student permits in 2025, PGWP changes

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced that the number of international student permits issued will be reduced again in 2025. The number of study permits issued will be reduced from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 in 2025, with that number being held steady in 2026. The goal of this cap is reportedly to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada to 5%. “The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to—just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller. There will also be further restrictions to the open work permits for international student spouses and changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program this fall.