Canada's international education faces an uncertain 2026 amid visa delays and low approval rates

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 around visa processing transparency and public perception remain essential. The year ahead will test whether Canada can balance immigration control with its economic need for international talent.

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