Canada sets 2025 Study Permit cap to 437,000: Breakdown by province and territory

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the final allocation of study permits for 2025, setting a total cap of 437,000 permits. The decision builds on measures introduced in 2024 to manage the growing international student population while easing pressure on housing, healthcare, and other essential services.

This cap represents a 10% reduction from 2024 and will require most applicants, including master’s and doctoral students, to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). Only specific categories, such as primary and secondary school students, certain government priority groups, and existing study permit holders at the same institution and level, remain exempt.

Provincial and Territorial Allocations for Study Permits

The allocation of study permits for 2025 is divided into graduate degree students and remaining PAL/TAL-required applicants. Here’s a detailed breakdown by province and territory:

Province/Territory	Graduate Degree Students	Remaining PAL/TAL Applicants	Total Study Permits
Ontario	21,841	94,899	116,740
Quebec	19,683	53,294	72,977
British Columbia	20,053	33,536	53,589
Alberta	3,887	28,773	32,660
Manitoba	1,224	8,797	10,021
Nova Scotia	1,954	6,343	8,297
Saskatchewan	1,578	7,291	8,869
New Brunswick	1,400	5,030	6,430
Newfoundland and Labrador	1,456	3,208	4,664
Prince Edward Island	205	1,045	1,250
Northwest Territories	0	220	220
Yukon	1	338	339
Nunavut	0	220	220
Total	73,282	242,994	316,276

Graduate Student Allocations
The allocation for graduate degree students remains consistent with 2023 levels to maintain manageable growth. IRCC expects provinces and territories to issue the same number of study permits for this cohort as they did in 2023.

Stricter Compliance for Educational Institutions
From November 2024, designated learning institutions (DLIs) must comply with stricter regulations, including mandatory participation in student compliance reporting and acceptance letter verification. Non-compliance may lead to suspension, preventing institutions from admitting new international students for up to one year.

IRCC’s initiatives aim to balance Canada’s commitment to welcoming international students with the need to address local challenges. Collaboration with provinces and territories will continue to strengthen the International Student Program.