Canada Announces a New Cap on Study Visa for 2025

Canada Announces a New Cap on Study Visa for 2025

Edited By Piyush Kohli | Updated on Mar 06, 2025 11:35 AM IST

Canada New Rules For Student Visa 2025: Canada announces a new cap on study visas for 2025 reducing 10 percent than 2024. According to the new Canada student visa requirements 2025, Canada has announced a cap on study permit applications for 2025 at 550,162 starting from January 22, 2025. The step has been taken to manage the number of international students coming to Canada. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), official body that manages immigrants will process the applications till the cap is reached and return and refund the unprocessed applications. The study permit targets are divided into various categories, and graduate degree students and exempt applicants getting a substantial portion. Understanding these Canada study visa updates 2025 helps students to apply for a visa without any hassle and problems during the application process.

This Story also Contains
  1. Exemption to Groups from PAL/TAL Requirement
  2. Study Permit Allocations for Provinces
  3. New Regulations for DLIs
  4. Canada to tighten border security during Trump's Presidency
Canada Announces a New Cap on Study Visa for 2025
Canada Announces a New Cap on Study Visa for 2025

Note: The cap is for applications accepted for processing. Do not confuse it with the number of study permits that will be approved this year. IRCC, Canada announced plans to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, marking a sharp reduction of 10% from 2024. The decision was taken to reduce the influx of international students and limiting the growth of temporary residents. It is done to reduce the pressure on housing, health and other essential services. Earlier, Canada announced master's and doctoral students to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) as part of their application process. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said, "The cap was intended to best support the attainment of the immigration goals established by the Government of Canada. Once the cap is reached, no more applications will be accepted."

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Exemption to Groups from PAL/TAL Requirement

Canada allows some groups to be exempt from PAL/TAL requirement that includes existing study permit holders applying for extensions at the same DLI (designated learning institution) as per the recent Canada study visa updates 2025. Primary and secondary students (K-12) and exchange students are also no longer required to submit PAL/TAL. Here are the breakdown of this regulation tightening on Canada student visa requirements 2025:

Breakdown of Study Permit Groups

  • Graduate Degree Students: 73,282 study permits

  • Kindergarten to Grade 12 Applicants: 72,200 study permits

  • Other PAL/TAL-exempt Applicants: 48,524 study permits

  • Remaining PAL/TAL-required Cohorts: 242,994 study permits

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Out of the total, 3,16,267 permits will be allocated to PAL/TAL required applicants and the remaining 120,724 study permits will be issued PAL/TAL exemptions.

Study Permit Allocations for Provinces

Now, Canada student visa requirements 2025 will be stricter for international students given these changes. Study permit allocation for each province has been finalised by IRCC. As expected, Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario received the highest allocations. Ontario will receive the maximum allocations with 116,740 study permits, while Quebec will receive 72,977 and British Columbia will receive 53,589 study permits. Also, other popular provinces Alberta and Saskatchewan 41,530 study permits combined.

New Regulations for DLIs

From November 2024, DLIs (Designated Learning Institutions) will have to follow new guidelines including the verification of letter of acceptance and also need to participate in student compliance reporting. Non-compliance will result in the suspension of the DLI for up to one year.

Canada to tighten border security during Trump's Presidency

Canada's immigration department announced that Canada will execute a Border Plan with an investment of $1.3 billion so that it can secure its border by enhancing its detecting capabilities and controlling the border traffic.

Canada new rules for student visa 2025 have impacted a lot of international students. Many students are applying to other alternative study abroad destinations such as Netherlands, Ireland, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the cap on international students in Canada 2025?

According to the latest Canada study visa updates, the immigration authorities has imposed the cap on international students in Canada 2025. The Canadian government only plans to issue a total of 437,000 new study permits. 

2. What is the IRCC update for 2025?

As per the latest update for international students seeking studies in Canada in 2025, IRCC has issued a plan that only 4,37,000 study permits will be allotted to students in 2025. This represents a decrease of 10% from the 2024 study cap.  

3. What are the new rules for student visa in Canada in 2025?

There are several rules imposed on international students regarding the student visa in Canada in 2025. This has tightened the Canada study visa requirements 2025 for them. A few of the rules in Canada include study cap at 4,37,000, A new PAL/TAL requirement, more restrictions, and others.  

4. How many visas expire in Canada in 2025?

In 2025, approximately 4.9 million temporary visas are going to expire. Canada study new rules 2025 have impacted majorly to students currently in Canada facing deportation risks. 

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Questions related to

Get answers from students and experts

Hello,

Yes, you can pursue MD in Radiology in Canada after completing a B.Sc. in Radiology, but you need to complete a recognized medical degree (like MBBS) first. After that, you must pass the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and complete a residency in radiology. Alternatively, you can explore postgraduate diploma or master’s programs in medical imaging or radiology if you wish to specialize without an MD.

Hope this helps you,

Thank you

https://www.careers360.com/courses/md-radiology



hi ,

yes , you can pursue undergraduate degree in AI ML in Canada with 65% in 12th grade , bit your options may be limited since many top universities require a minimum of 75-70% , however with some colleges or universities with flexible admission requirements may accept you .

eligibility criteria for AI /ML in Canada

academic requirement - Most top universities require 70-80% in 12th PCM for direct admission.Some colleges/universities accept students with 60-70% in 12th PCM.

English proficiency test -

(if your schooling was in English, some institutions may waive this)

  • IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL: 80 – 90 (iBT)
  • PTE: 50+

mathematics requirement

Since AI & ML are math-heavy, having good grades in Math (especially Calculus) will strengthen your application.


hope this helps


Hi Madhvi,

With 42% in 12th, admission to universities in Canada can be challenging, as most require at least 50-60%. However, you still have options:

  1. Diploma Programs – Some colleges like Seneca, Humber, or Centennial offer diploma courses with flexible entry requirements.

  2. Foundation Programs – You can take a pathway course in Canada to improve your academic profile before entering a degree program.

  3. Private Colleges – Some private institutions accept lower percentages, but research them well before applying.

  4. Improve Academics – Consider reappearing for 12th exams or taking additional certification courses to boost your profile.

Also, ensure you meet the IELTS/TOEFL score requirements for student visas.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

After completing a BBA in Finance, top programs in Canada include MBA (Finance), Master of Finance, Master in Financial Analytics, CFA certification, or PG diplomas in Financial Planning, Investment Banking, and Risk Management. Choose based on career goals, budget, and university reputation.

Hello there,

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is primarily an entrance exam for medical courses in India. If you're considering studying medicine in Canada, here are some key points to consider:

NEET and Medical Studies in Canada:

  1. Not Required for Admission : NEET is not required for admission to medical schools in Canada. Canadian medical schools have their own admission criteria, which typically include undergraduate degree requirements and standardized tests like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

  2. Eligibility for International Students : To apply to medical schools in Canada, you usually need to complete a bachelor's degree (often with a focus on science) and achieve a good score on the MCAT.

  3. Application Process : Each Canadian medical school has specific admission requirements. It's important to research individual schools to understand their criteria, including GPA requirements, volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

  4. Recognition of Indian Medical Degrees : If you complete your medical studies in Canada, your degree will be recognized, but if you study medicine in India, you’ll need to go through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams to practice in Canada.

    Recommendations:

  • Research Canadian Medical Schools : Look into the specific requirements for the medical schools you are interested in.

  • Prepare for MCAT : If you're aiming for medical school in Canada, focus on preparing for the MCAT and meeting the prerequisite courses for admission.

    Conclusion:

NEET is not necessary for studying medicine in Canada. Instead, focus on completing an undergraduate degree, taking the MCAT, and meeting the admission requirements of Canadian medical schools.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


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