Planning to Study in Canada? Find Out How Study Permits Are Being Allocated in 2025
February 3, 2025
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As an international student eyeing Canada as your study abroad destination, staying informed about the most recent updates to Canadian study permit regulations is crucial. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced notable changes for 2025, impacting how study permits are processed and allocated. These adjustments aim to improve Canada's international student programs while managing increasing applications.
We explore the 2025 Canadian study permit allocations, how it impacts students, and what it means for your journey to Canada.
2025 Provincial and Territorial Allocations Under the International Student Cap
In 2024, the Canadian government introduced a cap on study permit applications. The goal was to control the number of incoming international students to ease housing, healthcare, and other essential services pressures. This measure helped reduce the number of international students by about 40% and has contributed to more manageable rental markets.
With the 2025 Canadian study permit allocations, the government targets 437,000 Canadian study permits. This number represents a 10% decrease from the 2024 cap. Among these Canadian study permits, significant attention is given to students pursuing graduate degrees and those applying from within Canada. Prospective international students in Canada must remember these details when applying for a Canadian study permit.
Key Changes in the Application Process for 2025
Since the implementation of the permit cap, applicants have been required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). This requirement now extends to graduate students (master’s and doctoral) and most applicants applying from within Canada. New exemptions are in place, such as for exchange students and K-12 applicants, ensuring the continuity of reciprocal student agreements abroad. Here’s a breakdown of study permits expected to be issued in 2025:
- Study permits for graduate degree students: 73,282
- Study permits for K-12 applicants (PAL/TAL-exempt): 72,200
- Other PAL/TAL-exempt applicants: 48,524
- Remaining PAL/TAL-required students: 242,994
120,724 students will fall under the PAL/TAL-exempt category, while 316,267 students will require the PAL/TAL documentation.
Province and Territory-Specific Study Permit Allocations in 2025
The Canadian government has also outlined new Canadian study permit allocations by province and territory for 2025. Out of the 437,000 study permits projected for issuance in 2025, 120,724 will be granted to PAL/TAL-exempt students, and 316,267 will be allocated to PAL/TAL-required applicants. Below is the 2025 target for study permits for PAL/TAL-required cohorts by province or territory.
| Canadian Province or Territory | Expected Study Permits – Graduate degree students | Expected Study Permits – Remaining PAL/TAL-required cohorts | Expected number of study permits to be issued to all PAL/TAL-required cohorts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 3,887 | 28,773 | 32,660 |
| British Columbia | 20,053 | 33,536 | 53,589 |
| Manitoba | 1,224 | 8,797 | 10,021 |
| New Brunswick | 1,400 | 5,030 | 6,430 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 1,456 | 3,208 | 4,664 |
| Northwest Territories | 0 | 220 | 220 |
| Nova Scotia | 1,954 | 6,343 | 8,297 |
| Nunavut | 0 | 220 | 220 |
| Ontario | 21,841 | 94,899 | 116,740 |
| Prince Edward Island | 205 | 1,045 | 1,250 |
| Quebec | 19,683 | 53,294 | 72,977 |
| Saskatchewan | 1,578 | 7,291 | 8,869 |
| Yukon | 1 | 338 | 339 |
| Total | 73,282 | 242,994 | 316,276 |
Allocations represent the maximum number of study permit applications each Canadian province or territory will process for students who must submit a PAL/TAL with their application. Based on the average approval rates from 2023 and 2024, these allocations are expected to result in the target number of Canadian study permits being issued for capped cohorts.
| Canadian Province or Territory | Allocations for Graduate Students | Allocations for All Other PAL/TAL-Required Students | Total Allocations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 5,256 | 42,082 | 47,338 |
| British Columbia | 28,333 | 47,754 | 76,087 |
| Manitoba | 1,980 | 16,611 | 18,591 |
| New Brunswick | 3,112 | 11,673 | 14,785 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 2,648 | 6,534 | 9,182 |
| Northwest Territories | 0 | 705 | 705 |
| Nova Scotia | 4,191 | 14,411 | 18,602 |
| Nunavut | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ontario | 32,579 | 149,011 | 181,590 |
| Prince Edward Island | 391 | 2,044 | 2,435 |
| Quebec | 38,786 | 123,956 | 162,742 |
| Saskatchewan | 2,791 | 14,850 | 17,641 |
| Yukon | 1 | 463 | 464 |
| Total | 120,068 | 430,094 | 550,162 |
What This Means for International Students in Canada in 2025
For those planning to study in Canada, gaining the tools to go through the application process is critical. Adjusting the Canadian study permit system ensures that Canada remains a welcoming destination for international students while addressing practical concerns like housing and healthcare.
For international students in Canada, this means more competition for study permits, especially in popular provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, which receive the highest allocations. Delays or limitations in permit approvals may impact the timing of academic programs.
On the positive side, international students in Canada pursuing graduate degrees remain a priority, with dedicated spots for this cohort. As such, students must be prepared for stricter application procedures and consider applying early to improve their chances of securing a Canadian study permit.
FAQs
How Can Prospective International Students Prepare For These Changes?
Prospective international students should stay informed about the latest study permit requirements, especially the PAL or TAL for applicable applicants. Submitting complete and accurate applications well in advance is essential to avoid delays. Students should meet all specific criteria for their chosen province or territory.
What Are Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL)?
A PAL is a document that confirms a student’s eligibility for a study permit from a specific province or territory. It is required for applicants in particular cohorts to ensure they meet local requirements before applying for a Canadian study permit. This letter is significant for graduate students and others applying from within Canada.
What Happens if my Canadian Study Permit Application is Refused?
If your Canadian study permit application is refused, you will receive a detailed explanation. You may appeal the decision, address the issues raised, and reapply with updated documentation. It's also advisable to seek advice from immigration professionals to improve your chances in future applications.
Can I Bring my Family to Canada While Studying?
International students can bring their immediate family members (spouse or common-law partner and dependent children) to Canada while studying. They must apply for the appropriate visas, such as a Canadian study permit for the student and an open work permit for the spouse. However, each family member’s application will be assessed separately.