Canada's foreign student cap leads to major enrollment decline and job losses in the education sector

New data reveals Canada issued just 267,890 new study permits in 2024, falling nearly 100,000 below the government's target of 364,000 and representing a 48% reduction from 2023 levels. This significant decline stems from reduced application processing (down 32%) and lower approval rates (48% in 2024 versus 59.8% in 2023). The impact has been devastating for educational institutions, with Ontario colleges reporting 600+ cancelled or suspended programs and approximately 8,000 staff reductions. Despite the original two-year implementation plan, authorities have extended the cap through 2026, raising concerns about the sustainability of Canada's international education sector.

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