In a major step towards reducing number of temporary residents in country, the Canadian Federal government has announced reduction of international students. In 2025, the new international student study permit will be reduced by 10 per cent from the 2024 target of 485,000. In other words, study permits issued to only 4,37,000 students in 2025. The news release by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada states that number of study permits issued in 2026 will remain the same as in 2025.
This is not the first such announcement of this year as earlier IRCC announced the goal to decrease number of temporary residents, from 6.5% of Canada’s population to 5% by 2026. It comes as a measure after Canada’s population surpassing 41 million people in the first quarter of 2024. The issue of rising population in country has become one of the most important concerns in Canadian politics with upcoming election in October 2025.
The government approved 509,390 study permits last year and 175,920 in the first seven months of 2024. The new changes announced today would also limit work permit eligibility for spouses of some students and temporary foreign workers.
“The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to—just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to,” Immigration Minister Marc Miller said in a statement.
Syed Hussan, executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, said in a statement, “Reducing the numbers of migrants will not stop their exploitation; giving them equal rights and the power to exercise those rights will – and that is only possible through permanent resident status for all.” Reuters mention that immigrant advocates and some economists argue the link between migrants and economic malaise is an oversimplification, and that vulnerable newcomers cannot be held responsible for complex economic problems.
Indian Students Fear Deportation
Over 70,000 International student graduates in Canada are currently facing risk of being deported. The students (including Indians) staged protest, organised rallies at various places including Prince Edward Island (PEI), Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia in August. This came after Naujawan Support Network representatives warned that many graduates would face deportation after expiration of their work permits.
