Canada has seen a significant drop in international student visas in early 2025, with a 21% overall decline compared to the same period last year, as new immigration policies take effect. According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), only 96,015 study permits were issued in the first quarter of 2025, down from 121,070 in early 2024.
New Immigration Caps and Stricter Rules
The decrease follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s campaign pledge to reduce temporary migration, including foreign students and workers. The government has set a cap of 437,000 study permits for 2025, down from 485,000 in 2024, with plans to maintain similar levels in 2026.
Additionally, Canada has introduced stricter financial requirements for applicants. Since January 2024, international students must prove access to at least CA $20,635—more than double the previous requirement. A new verification system also requires Canadian institutions to confirm the authenticity of acceptance letters before permits are issued.
Global Impact on Immigration
The policy changes reflect Canada’s broader efforts to ease pressure on housing, healthcare, and public services. Similar trends have been observed in other countries, such as the U.S., where H-1B visa applications dropped by 25% in 2026 amid stricter immigration policies under former President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has seen a surge in applications for its new “Golden Visa” program, attracting high-net-worth individuals from the U.S. and China. In contrast, Germany has ended visa appeals, making the process more expensive for foreign students and workers.
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