Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has set a federal cap of 550,162 study permit applications for processing in 2025. This limit, announced via ministerial instructions on January 18, will be in effect from January 22 through December 31, 2025.
The cap pertains to the number of applications the IRCC will process, not the number of permits ultimately approved. Once the cap is met, no additional study permit applications will be processed, and any remaining applications will be returned with fees refunded.
This latest measure is part of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to manage the growing temporary resident population in Canada. By controlling the volume of incoming study permit applicants, IRCC aims to ease strain on housing, healthcare, and other social systems disproportionately impacted by surging international student numbers.
Under the new policy, each province and territory has received a set allocation from the total application cap. Local governments will use these quotas to issue attestation letters — now a mandatory requirement for most new study permit applications — to international applicants wishing to study within their jurisdictions.
Not all applicants are affected by this system-wide cap. Exempted groups include applicants renewing their permits at the same institution and academic level, those with temporary resident permits under removal order exemptions, family members of Canadian sponsors, exchange students, and recipients of specific scholarships or programs — including the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot.
The policy also exempts those enrolled at federally administered Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), individuals applying under crisis-related public policies announced by the immigration minister, and Indigenous persons covered by related exemptions.
The key distinction to note is between applications processed and those approved. The 550,162 figure reflects the number of submissions IRCC will consider, not how many study permits will be granted. Approval depends on individual eligibility, completeness of applications, and compliance with Canadian immigration criteria.
This move reflects Canada’s broader strategy to better manage and support international students while maintaining the integrity of its immigration and education systems amid rising demand.