Canada's New Immigration Plan: 50 Percent Cut in International Student Intake
The government of Canada has introduced a new immigration plan, drastically impacting international students. As per the latest 2026-28 Immigration Levels Plan, the intake of Canada student visa will be reduced by roughly half as compared to the previous targets. In this article, we will discuss the key changes, reasons, and impacts on Indian students and also help students who wish to study in Canada.
This Story also Contains
- What immigration changes have been introduced in Canada?
- Stabilising Permanent Resident (PR) Intake
- What are the reasons for these Changes?
- What do these changes mean for Indian students and their study plans?
- What should you do?
- What remains unchanged in Canada?
Read More: Canada vs India
What immigration changes have been introduced in Canada?
Here are the central alterations in the new immigration plan in Canada:
Major reduction in international student intake
The new target for total number of international student enrolment for 2026 has been decided to be around 155,000 annually, previously that was around 305,000 per year (49-50% decrease).
For 2027 and 2028, it will further reduce to 150,000 annually.
The total number of temporary residents in Canada is around 673,650 but it is expected that it will go down to 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in the future years.
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Stabilising Permanent Resident (PR) Intake
Unlike the reduction in the number of student visas in Canada, PR admissions are still stable, around 380,000 annually for 2026-28. This suggests that Canada is now focusing more on permanent immigration over temporary-resident growth, making it easier for international students to get permanent residency in Canada.
Impact on student-visa rules and institutional intake
The stricter caps and new attestation requirements point out to the fact that Canadian student visa options are not as convenient for international students as they used to be.
As recruitment goals decline, universities and colleges that depended significantly on the tuition of international students are predicted to suffer.
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What are the reasons for these Changes?
There are several inter-linked motivations behind this policy shift, including:
Housing and public-services pressure
Quality-control and fraud concerns
Balancing economic goals
Sustainability and demographic strategy
What do these changes mean for Indian students and their study plans?
Despite these changes, if you still wish to study in Canada, these are some implications you must know.
More competition
Uncertainty about programme availability
Post-study work-permit (PGWP) and PR transitions may become harder
Choosing the right institution and programme becomes more critical
Timing matters
What should you do?
In this situation, you must do the following:
Ensure proper documentation (acceptance letters, finances, academic transcripts, proof of English or French proficiency).
Prefer well-recognised public universities/colleges with strong track-record for international students rather than lesser-known private institutions.
With Canada tightening, consider alternative countries (Australia, UK, Germany) as contingency.
Study-permit criteria, attestation letters, PGWP eligibility may evolve — seek current advice.
If PR is a goal, look at provincial nominee programmes (PNPs) or other pathways besides just study-to-work.
What remains unchanged in Canada?
Canada’s aim to attract “the best and the brightest” continues.
The PR target remains robust — for applicants who study, work and transition to permanent residence, pathways remain.
Watch for provincial-specific variations
Monitor updates to rules around Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), provincial attestation letters (PALs) and financial requirements
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Canada rejecting 80% Indian visas?
A:
Yes, Canada is rejecting 80% of Indian visas due to the current immigration plan. Student visa Canada has declined by 46%.
Q: Will Canada change immigration in 2025?
A:
In 2024, the visa cap declined by 35% and in 2025, additional 10% reduction was seen. Other than this, students are also facing province-specific limits, mandatory attestation letters, stricter financial requirements, and changes to work permit eligibility.
Q: Is it worth moving to Canada from India in 2025?
A:
Yes, it is worth moving to Canada from India due to high quality of life, and robust education and healthcare system, however, it is important to consider several factors before deciding to move to Canada.
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Hello,
After completing BPT in India, you must get your qualification approved by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) .
First, apply for credential assessment , then pass the written and clinical exams . You also need an English test score (IELTS or CELPIP) .
After clearing these, apply for a physiotherapy license in any Canadian province. Once licensed, you can apply for jobs or PR in Canada.
Some students also choose to do a Master’s in Physiotherapy in Canada for better job chances.
Hope it helps !
your career plan is valid as it provide knowledge which is relevant to become ips officer but you need to prepare for other subjects too because UPSC's ips broad syllabus includes Indian governance and current affairs too.
I advice to choose b.a in psychology in india as this avoids the need for an equivalency certificate after your graduation from canadian universities from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) that is mandatory for foreign degrees.
But still if you want to prefer canadian degree then you can consider Simon Fraser University and the University of Windsor which offer a combined degree B.A. in Psychology and Criminology.
Hope it helps...
An undergraduate degree abroad is a good investment if you pursue it in canada because it provides quality education at affordable costs, along with a clearer path to post-graduation work and permanent residency,making it a reliable option to settle abroad.
Coming to U.S. it offers top-tier universities and higher salaries, but have very high costs and a difficult visa process for international graduates.
And if you are not sure go for studying in your home country which is more affordable and offering opportunities in a growing tech sector.
Ultimately, a strong focus on finances and long-term career plans, including any desire to immigrate, will guide your decision.
Good luck!!
After completing a BSc in Biochemistry, you can pursue various courses in Canada such as MSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or Clinical Research. These programs offer advanced knowledge and open opportunities in research, healthcare, and industry.
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
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