Canada has encountered significant challenges in meeting its international student admissions targets for 2025. From January to August 2025, only 29% of the annual target of 305,900 study permits were issued by the federal government, totaling 89,430 permits. To achieve the goal, an additional 216,470 study permits need to be issued in the remaining months of the year. This shortfall is attributed to policy changes implemented in 2024 to reduce the number of international students and temporary residents in Canada.

Impact of Policy Changes

In response to housing and social service pressures, the government introduced measures to limit international student numbers. As a result, international student admissions decreased by 70% in 2025 compared to the previous year. The changes included capping study permit applications, altering post-graduation work permit eligibility, and imposing language test requirements. These adjustments have significantly impacted the international student program and the overall temporary resident levels in the country.

Future Outlook

The target of 305,900 international student admissions for 2025 was set in October 2024. With the current challenges and restrictions in place, meeting this target remains a daunting task for the Canadian government.