The Canadian federal government has capped study permit applications at 505,162 for 2025, effective from January 22 to December 31, 2025. This change follows efforts by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to reduce pressures on housing and services. In 2024, a similar cap reduced international student numbers by about 40%, easing strain on rental markets.

For 2025, IRCC plans to issue 437,000 study permits, a 10% decrease from 2024 and the requirement for applicants to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) will now apply to master's and doctoral students, as well as most applicants from within Canada.

In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about these updates

Key Changes for 2025

Several adjustments have been made to further strengthen the International Student Program:

1. Extended PAL/TAL Requirements: Since 2024, most study permit applicants have been required to submit a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) with their applications.

   For 2025, this requirement now applies to:

   • Master’s and doctoral students.

   • Most applicants applying from within Canada.

   To support this change, specific allocations are reserved for graduate students, ensuring continued access to advanced education opportunities.

2. Exemptions: While the PAL/TAL requirement has expanded, the following groups remain exempt:

   • Kindergarten to grade 12 students.

   • Certain Government of Canada priority groups and vulnerable cohorts.

   • Existing study permit holders applying for an extension at the same designated learning institution (DLI) and level of study.

   • Exchange students benefiting from reciprocal agreements.

3. DLI Compliance Regulations: In November 2024, IRCC announced that designated learning institutions must participate in compliance reporting and the letter of acceptance verification process. Non-compliance could result in suspension for up to a year, preventing institutions from accepting new international students during that time.

Expected Study Permit to be Issued in 2025

In 2025, a total of 437,000 study permits are expected to be issued. Of these, 120,724 are anticipated to be granted to PAL/TAL-exempt students, while 316,267 are projected for students from PAL/TAL-required groups. The following is a breakdown of the 2025 study permit target for PAL/TAL-required cohorts by province or territory:

Study Permit Allocations for PAL/TAL-Required Students by Jurisdiction

Allocations represent the maximum number of study permit applications that will be processed from each jurisdiction for students required to submit a PAL/TAL with their application. Based on the average approval rates from 2023 and 2024 for each province and territory, these allocations are expected to achieve the target number of study permits issued for capped cohorts.

Take Note

If you’re planning to study in Canada, here are key takeaways:

• Check if you need a PAL/TAL for your application.

• Graduate students should act early, as allocations are capped at 2023 levels.

• Ensure your chosen DLI complies with the latest regulations.

Study in Canada in 2025

Canada remains a top destination for international students, and the new measures introduced in 2025 reflect a commitment to maintaining a high-quality experience for students while addressing housing and service pressures.

If you're still thinking about studying in Canada, starting the application process early is crucial. We recommend scheduling a consultation with our Consultants to discuss your options and develop a personalized strategy for your Canadian study aspirations.