Study in Canada
Canada Announces Study Permit Cap for International Students 2025

The Canadian government has introduced a study permit cap for 2025 to regulate the number of international students coming to the country. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that only 505,162 study permit applications will be processed between January 22 and December 31, 2025. Once this limit is reached, any additional applications will be returned without processing, and applicants will receive a refund.
Key Points of Canada Study Permit Cap
The federal government has implemented this cap to control the overall number of temporary residents in Canada. It’s important to note that the cap applies to processed applications, not approved study permits. Provincial and territorial governments have already been allocated quotas within this processing limit.
Key Aspects of the New Policy Include
- A total of 505,162 applications will be processed.
- Applications submitted beyond the cap will be returned with full refunds.
- Each province and territory has a designated quota for student applications.
These changes aim to balance the influx of international students while maintaining sustainable immigration levels.
Who Is Exempt from the Processing Cap?
Certain applicants are exempt from the new study permit cap, allowing them to apply without being affected by the processing limit. Exemptions include:
- Study Permit Renewals: Students renew their permit for the same Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and study level.
- Removal Orders: Applicants under unenforceable removal orders with valid temporary resident permits.
- Sponsored Applicants: Individuals sponsored by a Canadian partner under in-land sponsorship.
- Protected Persons: Those recognized as refugees or with protected status.
- Permanent Residency Applicants: Individuals who have applied for PR and obtained study permit exemptions.
- Exchange Students: Those coming to Canada for short-term studies under exchange programs.
- Government-Funded Scholars: Recipients of scholarships administered by Global Affairs Canada.
- Francophone Minority Communities Pilot: Selected applicants under this initiative.
- Public Policy Applicants: Individuals applying under federal public policies in response to crises.
Processing vs. Approval: Understanding the Difference
The cap of 505,162 applications represents the number of submissions IRCC will process, not the number of study permits that will be approved. IRCC considers historical data and rejection rates to determine approval targets.
For instance, in 2024, the department processed 606,250 applications with an aim to approve 364,000 study permits. However, for 2025, the processing target is lower, which may impact the number of approved permits.
Canada’s Immigration Plan for International Students
According to the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC aims to welcome approximately 305,900 new international students annually. However, this figure reflects the number of students expected to arrive in Canada, not the number of approved study permits.
What This Means for Prospective Students
The new cap may influence students’ plans to study in Canada. Prospective applicants should:
- Apply Early: To increase their chances of being within the cap.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from IRCC.
- Consult Experts: Seek guidance from immigration professionals to navigate the new policies effectively.
With the study permit cap for 2025 in place, international students must act strategically to secure their opportunity to study in Canada. Staying informed with the latest Canada immigration news and understanding the application process will be crucial in adapting to these changes.