Recent data from Statistics Canada shows a notable increase in the number of international students who remain in Canada after completing health degree programs. The 2019 cohort saw 68% of international health graduates filing tax returns three years after graduation, up from 52% in 2010. This surpasses the average retention rate for all international graduates. However, retention varies significantly by field and province. Pharmacy graduates had the highest retention at 64%

The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) has called on Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab to address the mounting challenges facing international students following recent policy changes. The CCR expressed concern that shifting regulations around post-graduation work permits and provincial immigration pathways have left thousands of students uncertain about their legal status. The Council emphasized that international students contribute significantly to Canada's economy

According to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the country saw 53% fewer international student and temporary worker arrivals in 2025 compared to the previous year, marking a significant shift in immigration policy. New figures released for December 2025 show just 9,665 study permits and 9,735 work permits were issued that month, reflecting the government's commitment to reducing temporary resident numbers to below 5% of the total popul

On February 12, 2026, Manitoba  held  the invitation round #264 under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The province invited 29 skilled workers under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Workers Overseas streams as part of a strategic recruitment initiative. In this round, six invitations were extended to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile number and a job seeker validation code. This year, the MPNP invited 131 candidates, and 22 of them receive

Canada's Immigration Minister Lena Diab has made it clear that universities facing financial strain from reduced international student enrollment must look to provincial governments for support. The minister noted that international student numbers fell from over one million in early 2024 to approximately 700,000 by November 2025. The Federal Government scaled back the program after concerns that post-pandemic immigration levels were overwhelming healthcare, housing, and oth

A recent analysis reveals significant disparities in healthcare coverage for international students studying in Canada, with access largely dependent on their province of study. While Alberta, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and the Northwest Territories provide immediate or comprehensive public healthcare coverage, students in Ontario, Manitoba, and Yukon must rely solely on private insurance. British Columbia imposes a three-month waiting period plus mon

The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) has announced it will wind down operations over the next year, citing an "unsustainable" financial model following a dramatic 55% drop in international student enrollment. While the Winnipeg-based institution is set to close, the province has reached an agreement with Red River College (RRC) Polytech to transfer selected programs and ensure that all currently enrolled students can complete their credentials. The closure

On January 29, 2026, Manitoba  held  the invitation round #263 under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The province invited 47 skilled workers under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Workers Overseas streams as part of a strategic recruitment initiative. In this round, six invitations were extended to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile number and a job seeker validation code. This year, the MPNP invited 102 candidates, and 16 of them received

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a freeze on eligible fields of study for Post-Graduation Work Permits for the remainder of 2026. International students planning to work in Canada after graduation should note that no programs will be added to or removed from the current list of eligible CIP codes this year. This decision provides stability for students already enrolled in qualifying programs, but means those in non-eligible courses will not s

On January 15, 2026, Manitoba  held  the invitation round #262 under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The province invited 55 skilled workers under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Workers Overseas streams as part of a strategic recruitment initiative. In this round, ten invitations were extended to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile number and a job seeker validation code. Last year, the MPNP invited 7,765 candidates, and 1,469 of them rec

New data shows Ontario's distribution of international student permits has created significant imbalances across the province's post-secondary landscape. In 2024, colleges received 189,416 Provincial Attestation Letters but utilized only 55 percent, while universities used 82 percent of their smaller 35,460 allocation. The disparity widened further within sectors—Humber College distributed nearly its entire allotment, yet Northern College used just 28 percent. The fallout ha

Manitoba's post-secondary institutions are grappling with severe financial pressures after the Federal Government cut international student allocations by 40 per cent, dropping from 18,591 in 2025 to just 11,196 in 2026. Advanced Education and Training Minister Renee Cable criticized the unilateral decision, noting it was made without provincial consultation and has led to plummeting enrolment and revenue losses across universities and colleges. Cable emphasized that interna

Following a challenging year marked by record-low study permit approvals, Canadian international education enters 2026 with cautious optimism. Experts project the sector will fall short of its 408,000 permit target as visa processing delays and approval rates hovering at 30-34% continue to constrain student mobility. While graduate students gained exemption from caps and CAD$1.7 billion was allocated for global talent recruitment, stakeholders warn that systemic reforms arou

Ontario's college sector is grappling with significant upheaval as tighter federal restrictions on international student visas force institutions to suspend programs and reduce services. Ottawa's decision to reduce study permit issuance to 408,000 in 2026 – down from 485,000 in 2024 – has prompted colleges to cut hundreds of programs and eliminate more than 8,000 positions. Students at institutions such as George Brown, Conestoga, and Fanshawe are experiencing reduced suppor

Following major changes to Ontario's immigration system, many newcomers pursuing permanent residency are in limbo , uncertain about their future in Canada. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, which offers a fast-track pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and international students, is undergoing significant restructuring. The province has suspended its skilled trades stream and is reducing entry categories from nine to four, while Ottawa has cut provincial no

Ontario is adjusting its approach to international student admissions following Ottawa's decision to reduce study permit approvals by 42 percent for 2026. The province will strategically allocate its 104,780 Provincial Attestation Letters, prioritizing programs in high-demand fields such as construction, nursing, teaching, and STEM. Minister Nolan Quinn emphasized that Ontario remains committed to maintaining its reputation for world-class education while ensuring graduates

On December 18, 2025, Manitoba  held  the invitation round #260 under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The province invited 63 skilled workers under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Workers Overseas streams as part of a strategic recruitment initiative. In this round, eight invitations were extended to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile number and a job seeker validation code. This year, the MPNP invited 7,344 candidates, and 1,351 of them

Canada's efforts to reduce temporary resident numbers are showing measurable results, with new data revealing a 53% decrease in student and worker arrivals between January and October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The government has implemented stricter caps on international student permits and tightened eligibility for temporary foreign workers as part of its commitment to bring the temporary population below 5% of the total population by late 2027. Only 3,030 n

A group of leading Canadian economists has raised concerns about recent changes to the country's immigration framework, arguing that the 2023 introduction of category-based selection has undermined the transparency of Canada's formerly merit-driven system. The shift from the Comprehensive Ranking System to ministerial discretion has created uncertainty for prospective immigrants and may reduce the inflow of highly skilled workers. With international student applications decl

Canada's postsecondary sector faces mounting challenges as international student arrivals plunged 60% between January and September 2025 compared to the previous year, following government-imposed caps designed to ease housing pressures. The dramatic decline has triggered financial losses exceeding $140 million across just six Ontario institutions, while British Columbia anticipates annual losses surpassing $300 million. Ontario colleges have suspended 600 programs and elimi