Canada has announced that it will cap the number of Study Permit applications it receives in 2025 at 550,162.
The decision was announced in the Canada Gazette on January 18 and covers the period from January 22 until the end of the year.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of Canada’s 2025 Study Permit Cap: Details on the 550,162 application limit and its purpose.
- Exemptions to the Application Cap: A list of applicants and scenarios not subject to the cap.
- Impact on International Students: How the cap aligns with Canada’s immigration goals.
- Recent Changes to Study Permit Rules: A summary of stricter compliance and application processes.
- FAQ on Study Permit Caps and Transfers: Answers to common questions about the new policies.
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 reach, no more applications will be accepted, IRCC said.
Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan forecasts the arrival of 305,900 new international students in each of 2025, 2026 and 2027. This was the first time international student numbers have been part of an Immigration Levels Plan.
It follows restrictions placed on numbers by Immigration Minister Marc Miller. He reduced the number of Study Permits issued in 2024 by 35%, and introduced a further 10% reduction for 2025.
Exemptions to Study Permit Application Cap
- Renewals at the same DLI and level of study as existing permit.
- Applicants subject to an unenforceable removal order, who also hold a temporary resident permit that is valid for at least six months.
- Candidates who
- Are part of an inland family sponsorship application.
- Are considered a protected person;
- Have applied for permanent residence and received a study permit exemption order.
- Are a family member of one of the above.
- Candidates applying as an exchange student at a DLI.
- Candidates applying at primary school or secondary school level.
- Candidates planning to study at a federally administered DLI.
- Candidates who are recipients of a Global Affairs Canada scholarship for non-Canadians.
- Candidates selected for the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot.
- Candidates who are exempt from certain study permit requirements as part of an IRCC response to a crisis or other pressure.
- Candidates exempt from certain study permit requirements through the temporary public policy for Indigenous persons.
Recent Changes to Canada’s International Student Program
Canada has introduced significant updates to how international students can change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Effective November 8, 2024, the new rules outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require students to apply for a study permit extension before transferring to a new school. These changes replace the previous process, where students only needed to notify IRCC online.
The updated process reflects Canada’s commitment to improving compliance and accountability within its international education system. It emphasizes the shared responsibility of students and institutions to follow regulations and maintain the integrity of the program.
Key Changes for International Students
Starting November 8, 2024, international students must adhere to the following requirements when transferring to a new DLI:
- Study Permit Extension: Students must apply for a study permit extension before transferring schools.
- Eligible Institutions: The new institution must appear on the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list and must not be on the suspension list.
- Documentation Requirements: Students must provide supporting documents, including:
- A letter explaining the reason for the transfer.
- Additional evidence demonstrating eligibility to begin studies at the new DLI while waiting for IRCC approval, if applicable.
- Conditions for Immediate Studies: Students can only start at the new DLI if specific conditions are met (detailed below).
These measures aim to close loopholes, ensure authorized study, and enhance transparency in the management of international student programs.
How the New DLI Transfer Process Works
1. Eligibility Check
Before transferring, students must confirm that their new institution meets the following criteria:
- The school is listed as an active DLI.
- It is not on the suspension list (institutions restricted from hosting international students).
For students enrolled in co-op programs, transferring to a co-op program at a new institution requires applying for a new co-op work permit.
2. Submitting the Study Permit Extension Application
Students must submit an application to IRCC to extend their study permit. The application must include:
- A letter explaining why they are transferring schools.
- Relevant documents that demonstrate eligibility for the new program or institution.
If a student’s study permit application is already in progress, they must update their information by submitting additional documents through the IRCC web form.
Starting Studies at the New DLI
Students are only allowed to begin studies at their new DLI under the following conditions:
- They remain in Canada after receiving the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new institution.
- They continue to meet the conditions outlined in their current study permit.
- The transfer is due to one of the following scenarios affecting their previous institution:
- The school closed.
- The program or course was discontinued.
- The institution was added to the suspension list or lost its DLI designation.
If these conditions are not met, students must wait until IRCC approves their new study permit extension before starting at the new institution.
Special Note for Winter and Spring 2025 Transfers
Students starting studies in Winter or Spring 2025 can begin at their new DLI while their study permit extension application is being processed, provided:
- Their current study permit remains valid.
- The study permit does not list the name of their previous DLI.
- They meet all existing study permit conditions.
- They have applied for a study permit extension.
Special Rules for Quebec Transfers
Students transferring to a DLI in Quebec must meet additional requirements:
- Obtain an attestation of issuance for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
- Include the CAQ with their study permit extension application.
However, students transferring between vocational training centers (VTCs) within Quebec are not required to apply for a new CAQ or study permit.
Implications of Non-Compliance
Failing to follow the new process can result in serious consequences, including:
- The previous institution reporting the student as not enrolled or registered.
- Violations of study permit conditions, leading to invalidation or cancellation of the permit.
- Possible removal from Canada or ineligibility for future study or work permits.
These measures aim to ensure all international students comply with Canadian immigration rules, protecting the integrity of the program.
Broader Changes to the International Student Program
The updated DLI transfer process is part of a broader effort to improve Canada’s international education system in 2024. Additional measures include:
- Regional Caps on Study Permits: Regional limits have been introduced to manage student intake and reduce pressure on housing and infrastructure.
- Increased Financial Requirements: Students must now demonstrate higher financial capacity to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
- Enhanced Oversight for DLIs: Institutions must meet stricter criteria to retain their DLI designation, including proof of adequate student support and quality education standards.
- Regular Compliance Checks: Audits and inspections ensure that students and institutions follow immigration rules.
- Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Changes: Eligibility for PGWPs is now tied to specific programs and institutions.
These updates reflect Canada’s strategy to balance the benefits of international education with sustainable growth and student success.
Why These Changes Matter
Canada’s international student population has grown significantly, creating challenges for the immigration system and institutions. The new DLI transfer process and other updates are designed to:
- Strengthen oversight of institutions and students.
- Prevent unauthorized studies.
- Ensure institutions provide quality education and meet compliance standards.
By closing gaps in the previous system, Canada reinforces its reputation as a world-class education destination while safeguarding the integrity of its programs.
Next Steps for International Students
If you plan to transfer to a new DLI, follow these steps to ensure compliance:
- Confirm that the new institution is on the DLI list and not on the suspension list.
- Apply for a study permit extension before changing schools.
- Submit all required documents, including a transfer explanation letter.
- Confirm your eligibility to begin studies at the new DLI while awaiting IRCC approval.
- Avoid starting studies at the new institution until all requirements are met.
FAQ on Canada’s Study Permit Application Cap
Why has Canada introduced a cap on Study Permit applications?
Canada implemented the cap to align international student intake with immigration goals and address challenges like infrastructure pressure. By limiting applications to 550,162 for 2025, the government aims to manage student numbers while maintaining high educational and living standards. This cap reflects broader efforts to ensure sustainable growth in Canada’s international student program.
Who is exempt from the Study Permit application cap?
Exemptions include renewals for the same DLI and study level, exchange students, primary and secondary school applicants, and those with specific immigration statuses or public policy exemptions. Protected persons, family-sponsored candidates, and Francophone Minority Communities Pilot participants are also excluded from the cap.
What happens if the cap on Study Permit applications is reached?
Once the cap of 550,162 applications is reached, no further applications will be accepted. Students planning to study in Canada should apply early and ensure their application meets all requirements. Those unable to apply may need to wait for future opportunities.
How do these changes affect students transferring between DLIs?
Students transferring to a new DLI must apply for a study permit extension before switching institutions. The new DLI must be listed as active and not on the suspension list. Compliance with these requirements is essential to avoid penalties or loss of study status.
Are these changes part of a larger update to Canada’s international student program?
Yes, the cap on Study Permits is part of a broader strategy to manage international student numbers, ensure compliance, and improve program accountability. Other updates include financial requirements, stricter DLI oversight, and changes to Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, all aimed at fostering sustainable growth and success for students in Canada.
