Canada Sees 97% Drop in International Student Arrivals Over Two Years
Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlights a dramatic decline in international student arrivals. There was a striking 97% reduction in new study permit holders from December 2023 to November 2025. This significant drop underscores Canada’s changes in immigration policies.
Canada’s Shift in International Student Arrivals
In November 2025, Canada welcomed only 2,485 new study permit holders. This was a stark contrast to December 2023, when the country recorded 95,320 new student arrivals. The decline represents a decrease of 334,845 international students over a period of two years.
Key Statistics
- December 2023: 95,320 new international students
- November 2025: 2,485 new international students
- Reduction: 97% drop in student arrivals
- 2024 Comparison: 52% fewer arrivals between January and November 2025
- August 2024: 79,745 new students
- August 2025: 45,065 new students
Policy Changes and Impacts
In response to rising student numbers, Canada has enacted various measures aimed at reducing international student permits. The Liberal government announced plans to halve the number of issued permits in its 2025 federal budget. Future targets include:
- 155,000 permits in 2026
- 150,000 permits in 2027
- 150,000 permits in 2028
Further tightening included mandatory reviews of acceptance letters and a doubling of financial requirements for applicants, increasing the minimum from $10,000 to $20,635. Additionally, off-campus work for students is now capped at 24 hours per week without a work permit.
Impact on Canadian Universities
The reduction in international student enrollments has posed challenges for Canadian universities. A recent survey indicated that:
- 36% drop in bachelor’s program enrollments
- 35% drop in graduate program enrollments
Consequently, 60% of universities are preparing for budget cuts, while 50% anticipate staffing reductions by 2026. Despite these challenges, interest in studying in Canada remains robust. A spring 2025 survey found that 94% of potential international students expressed interest in studying in Canada.
Conclusion
Canada’s significant drop in international student arrivals reflects the country’s recent immigration policy shifts. While the numbers have decreased, interest in Canadian education remains strong among global students. How this balance evolves in the coming years will be pivotal for Canada’s higher education landscape.
