An Overview of Study Permit Cap for International Students in Canada 2025

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have implemented significant changes over the past year. These initiatives aim to enhance the experience of international students and better prepare them for life in Canada.

International Student Cap for 2025

IRCC plans to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025. This represents a 10% decrease from the previous year's cap of 485,000.  

The allocation includes specific numbers for various categories of students, such as graduate degree students, K-12 applicants, and other exemptions.

Since the introduction of the cap in 2024, most international students have to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) with their study permit applications.

What is the target for the Study Permit in 2025?

As mentioned earlier, IRCC expects to grant 437,000 study permits to international students in 2025.

Here's the breakdown for the new Study permit target:

• Graduate Degree Students: 73,282 permits
• K-12 Applicants (PAL/TAL-exempt): 72,200 permits
• Other PAL/TAL-exempt Applicants: 48,524 permits
• Remaining PAL/TAL-required Cohorts: 242,994 permits

What are the Provincial and Territorial Allocations for Study Permits in 2025?

Each province and territory in Canada has a set allocation for the number of study permits they can issue in 2025. Let us explore how the IRCC is planning to allocate study permits in various provinces and territories in Canada from the below table:

What is the number of PAL Allocations allowed per Province?

The allocations represent the maximum number of study permit applications each province or territory will process for international students. Based on the average approval rates from previous years, the total expected number of study permits issued to all PAL/TAL-required students is 316,276.

Let us check out the maximum number of PAL allocations allowed in each province of Canada:

In a strategic move to bolster its educational landscape, Ontario plans to direct 96% of its PALs toward public postsecondary institutions for the upcoming year.

Impact on Postsecondary Education in Ontario

Minister Nolan Quinn, Ontario's Minister of Colleges and Universities, has stated that the province is focused on enhancing the postsecondary education system. The provincial government plans to allocate 96% of its PALs to public postsecondary institutions, reserving 32,000 of the 181,000 total allocations for master's and doctoral students.

That means only 4% will be allotted to language schools, and private colleges will not receive any allocations. The Ministry of Colleges and Universities has confirmed that public institutions will receive at least the same number of applications as they did in 2024.

Who are exempted from PAL/TAL Requirements?

When applying for a study permit, the following applicants are exempted:

• Primary and Secondary Students: Kindergarten to grade 12 students need not submit a PAL/TAL.
• Existing Study Permit Holders: Individuals who already hold a study permit and are applying for an extension at the same designated learning institution (DLI) and the same level of study do not need to provide a PAL/TAL.
• Government Priority Groups: Certain Government of Canada priority groups and vulnerable cohorts are exempt from this requirement.

Understanding the 2025 Cap on Graduate International Students

The decision to include graduate international students under the study permit cap for 2025 reflects a proactive approach to managing student numbers in Canada. Despite the sustainable growth observed in this sector, the IRCC aims to ensure that the number of graduate students remains well-regulated.

As a result, provinces and territories are expected to issue the same number of study permits to graduate students in 2025 as in 2023.

Also, Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) cannot carry over unused allocation spaces or PALs from the previous year. These factors highlight the importance of careful planning and management for international student admissions in the future.

At ImmiLaw Global, we specialize in assisting with study permit applications, getting PALs, and helping you choose the province that best fits your needs. Our team, which includes immigration lawyers and overseas study experts, is dedicated to guiding you through the entire academic and immigration journey. Contact us today for personalized and tailored guidance.

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