Janice Lozano
Canada has implemented several measures and regulations that will impact international students in the coming years. These changes aim to stabilize the growth of international students in the country and address issues related to housing, healthcare, and other services. The government has set an intake cap on international student permits, with approximately 360,000 approved permits expected for 2024, a 35% decrease from 2023. These measures are intended to protect international students from unethical institutions and ensure sustainable population growth. International students face challenges with the rising cost of living and tuition fees, but they also contribute significantly to Canada's economy and cultural diversity. The impact of these regulations on the experience and well-being of international students in Canada remains to be seen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International student permits in 2024 | 360,000 |
| Reduction in permits from 2023 | 35% |
| International student permits in 2025 | 437,000 |
| Reduction in permits from 2024 | 10% |
| Eligibility to work off-campus without a work permit | Students must be studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate |
| Number of hours international students may work off-campus | 24 hours per week |
| Work during breaks | International students may work full-time during breaks such as summer or winter breaks |
| Tuition fees for international students | $40,114 annually in the 2024/25 academic year |
| Average domestic tuition fees | One-fifth of international fees |
| International students' contribution to the economy | $37.3 billion in 2022 |
| Study permit requirements | Students must apply for a new study permit before changing learning institutions |
| Impact of international students | International students enrich communities and contribute to Canada's social, cultural, and economic fabric |
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What You'll Learn
International student permits in Canada
International students are a critical part of Canada's social, cultural, and economic fabric. However, in recent years, the integrity of the international student system has been threatened. To address this, the Canadian government has implemented measures to stabilize the number of international students in the country. These measures include a cap on international student permit applications, aiming for approximately 360,000 approved study permits in 2024, a 35% decrease from 2023. This cap will not impact study permit renewals, and those pursuing master's, doctoral, and elementary/secondary education are exempt.
Most foreign nationals intending to study in Canada require a study permit. It is recommended to apply for this permit before travelling to Canada, although there are some exceptions. For instance, individuals outside of Canada may be eligible to apply for a study permit upon arrival at a port of entry. Additionally, some people can apply for a study permit from within Canada, but they must maintain their student status; otherwise, they will lose their ability to study upon returning to Canada.
The application process for a study permit may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances. Most applicants are required to include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or a Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study. Without this letter, the application may be returned, causing delays in processing. Applicants should ensure they have all the necessary documents before submitting their application.
It is important to note that starting November 8, 2024, students will no longer be able to change schools using the same study permit. To change schools, individuals will need to apply for a new study permit or extend their current one. Additionally, student compliance reporting will become mandatory from the same date. These measures aim to protect international students and ensure sustainable population growth in Canada.
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Working while studying in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus without a work permit, provided they meet certain requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), being in the last semester of your study program, and not needing a full course load to complete your program. Students and their employers must ensure that they meet the requirements for working without a permit before starting work. Working without meeting these requirements may result in the student having to leave Canada.
For those who are eligible, there is a limit of 24 hours per week of work while studying. Working more than 24 hours a week is a violation of the study permit and may result in the loss of student status and future permit approvals. Hours worked are defined as any time spent earning wages or collecting a commission, including on-call hours. Self-employed students must also track and prove their compliance with permit conditions.
To work on-campus, international students must obtain a work permit. On-campus refers to all the buildings on the university or college campus. Information about working on-campus can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Working in Canada while studying can offer several benefits, such as gaining practical work experience, building professional networks, and even contributing to future immigration plans. Additionally, a student's spouse or common-law partner may also be eligible to work during their time in Canada.
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Protecting international students in Canada
International students in Canada have faced numerous challenges in recent years, with the integrity of the international student system being threatened. To protect international students and support sustainable population growth, the Canadian government has implemented several measures. These measures aim to stabilize the number of international students and ensure a positive and successful experience for them in Canada.
One key measure is the introduction of an intake cap on international student permit applications. In 2024, the cap was set at 360,000 approved study permits, a 35% decrease from 2023. This cap was extended for a second year in 2025, with 437,000 study permits issued, a further 10% reduction. The cap is intended to ease the pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services caused by rapid increases in international student arrivals. To obtain a study permit, applicants must submit a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter, confirming their inclusion within the federal government's cap.
The Government of Canada has also been working with Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to strengthen student compliance reporting and protect the International Student Program from misuse. DLIs now face consequences for failing to submit compliance reports or verify acceptance letters, including suspension from welcoming new international students for up to a year. These improvements provide greater oversight and support for international students, safeguarding their academic experiences.
In addition to these measures, the Canadian government has made changes to the International Student Program regulations. Eligible international students can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while their classes are in session. They can also work full-time during academic breaks, such as summer or winter vacations. These changes provide international students with more opportunities for financial support during their studies.
Despite these protective measures, there are concerns about the impact of federal reforms on international students in Canada. Tuition fees for international undergraduates are significantly higher than for domestic students, and the rising cost of living has exacerbated financial pressures. In a 2024 survey, more than half of international students reported skipping meals due to financial strain, and one-tenth experienced homelessness. While international students contribute significantly to Canada's economy and cultural fabric, there are worries that recent reforms may damage Canada's image as a welcoming destination.
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International student system integrity in Canada
International students are a critical part of Canada's social, cultural, and economic fabric. However, in recent years, the integrity of the international student system has been threatened by the actions of some educational institutions and the government's failure to provide adequate support for students.
The Canadian government has taken steps to address these issues and protect the integrity of the international student system. Firstly, they have implemented a cap on the number of new international student permits, reducing the number of permits issued in 2024 to 360,000, a 35% decrease from 2023. This cap is expected to ease the pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services caused by the rapid increase in international students in recent years. The cap will be in place for two years, after which the number of new study permit applications for 2025 will be reassessed.
Additionally, the government has introduced new regulations for designated learning institutions (DLIs) to strengthen student compliance reporting and protect the student program against misuse. DLIs that fail to submit compliance reports or verify acceptance letters may face consequences, such as being suspended from welcoming new international students for up to a year. These measures aim to improve oversight and safeguard the academic experiences of international students in Canada.
Furthermore, the government has made changes to work permits for international students. Eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while their classes are in session and can work full-time during academic breaks. These changes provide more opportunities for international students to work and contribute to the Canadian economy.
The government has also addressed fraud and financial vulnerability within the international student system. Since 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been working to strengthen student compliance reporting and protect students from bad actors. The new letter of acceptance (LOA) verification process has been successful in identifying fraudulent or cancelled LOAs.
Overall, these measures demonstrate the Canadian government's commitment to protecting the integrity of the international student system and ensuring a positive and successful experience for international students in the country.
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International students' contribution to the Canadian economy
International students make a significant contribution to the Canadian economy, and their presence is a critical part of Canada's social, cultural, and economic fabric. In 2022, international students in Canada spent approximately $37.3 billion on tuition, accommodation, and other discretionary items. This spending contributed $30.9 billion to Canada's GDP, or 1.2% of the total. This spending also supported 361,230 jobs in the Canadian economy and resulted in $7.4 billion in tax revenue.
The number of international students in Canada has been increasing rapidly. In 2018, there were about 600,000 international students in Canada, and this number rose to over 805,000 in 2022. This increase in international students has put pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services. As a result, the Canadian government has implemented measures to stabilize the growth of international students, with a cap of 360,000 new study permits for 2024, a 35% decrease from 2023. These measures aim to protect international students and support sustainable population growth.
International students' spending in Canada includes tuition and living expenses, with the average international student spending C$44,000. In 2020, international students contributed over C$22.3 billion to the Canadian economy, supporting over 218,000 jobs. This contribution is greater than that of some key export sectors, such as auto parts, lumber, or aircraft. The presence of international students in Canada's post-secondary education system has also increased, representing 24% of students in 2020, up from 12% in 2016.
The economic impact of international students extends beyond their immediate spending. Immigrants are more likely to own businesses in knowledge- or technology-based industries, and their contributions fuel Canada's economy. The Canadian government's efforts to stabilize international student numbers aim to ensure a sustainable path, including adequate student housing and support for long-term growth.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, Canada has reduced the number of international student permits for the second year in a row. The number of permits issued in 2025 is 437,000, a 10% reduction from 2024.
The Canadian government has reduced the number of permits to stabilize the growth of the international student population and ease the pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services. The government aims to protect international students from bad actors and support sustainable population growth.
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus without a work permit if they are studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program. Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during their academic term and full-time during breaks.
International students in Canada face financial challenges due to high tuition fees and the rising cost of living. In the 2024/25 academic year, the average annual tuition fee for international undergraduates was $40,114. According to a 2024 survey, more than half of international students reported skipping meals, and one-tenth experienced homelessness.
International students enrich Canada's communities and are a vital part of the country's social, cultural, and economic landscape. They contribute billions to the economy annually and represent a highly skilled labour force. International students also foster cross-cultural understanding, spur innovation, and enhance the academic experience for domestic students.
