Canada's international student numbers see a steep decline in 2025 as approval rates plummet

Canada is experiencing a dramatic decrease in international student enrollment, with study permit applications down approximately 50% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Approval rates for new applicants have fallen significantly from 51% to 30%, with only 31,580 new permits approved between January and June. The total number of study permit holders in Canada has declined by 23%, dropping from over 1 million in January 2024 to 785,830 as of July 2025. This trend suggests Canada will fall substantially below its cap target of 316,276 new international students for 2025, raising urgent concerns among education stakeholders.

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