Canada Sets a Limit on Study Permit Applications for 2025

The Canadian government has declared a limit to the number of study permit applications in 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported that this cap is 505,162 applications. The change will be effective from January 22, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

After that limit is met, no further applications will be considered and all further ones will be rejected with a complete refund of fees. The count only pertains to the applications IRCC would process to say the number that will be approved.

Why Has Canada Introduced This Cap?

The government wants to manage the number of temporary residents in Canada by controlling how many new study permits are issued. Provinces and territories have already been given a share of this application target to ensure fair distribution across the country.

Who Doesn’t Have to Worry About the Cap?

Certain groups of applicants are exempt from this limit. If you fall into one of the following categories, your study permit application will still be processed:

1. Renewing Your Current Permit: If you are renewing a study permit, you can continue studying at the same school and program.
2. Removal Order and Temporary Resident Permit Holders: Those under unenforceable removal orders with a valid temporary resident permit for at least six months.
3. Sponsored by a Canadian Family Member: If you are sponsored for immigration by your Canadian partner or family member.
4. Protected Persons: Refugees or individuals under Canada’s protection.
5. Permanent Resident Applicants with Exemptions: Those who have applied for permanent residency and received a study permit exemption order.
6. Family Members of the Above: If your family member fits one of these categories, you are also exempt.
7. Exchange Students: If you are an exchange student studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
8. Studying at Federally-Run DLIs: If your school is managed by a federal agency or department.
9. Global Affairs Canada Scholarships: If you have received a scholarship funded by Global Affairs Canada.
10. Francophone Minority Pilot Program: Students selected for this program.
11. Special Public Policies: Applicants covered by temporary public policies for crises or other special circumstances.
12. Indigenous Exemptions: Certain Indigenous individuals and their family members under specific public policies.

What Does the Cap Mean?

The 505,162 applications are the total number of applications IRCC will consider—not the number of approvals. Many applications may still be rejected based on eligibility or other criteria.

How Does This Compare to Last Year?

In 2024, IRCC aimed to process 606,250 applications but set an approval target of 364,000 study permits. The cap for 2025 is much lower, which means fewer applications will even be considered.

What About Students Already in Canada?

The government expects many students already in Canada to extend their permits, and these extensions are part of the calculations for how many new students can be approved.

How Many New Students Will Canada Welcome?

The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims to welcome 305,900 new international students each year. However, this is not the same as the number of approved study permits. It accounts for when students arrive in Canada, which can take time after approval.

Key Takeaway

If you’re planning to apply for a study permit in Canada, it’s important to act quickly and contact Asif Consulting. Check if you qualify under the exemption list. Once the cap is reached, no new applications will be accepted, so staying informed and prepared is crucial.