Canada: Changes to the International Student Program

Key Points 

• Canada will introduce measures to restrict the number of international students entering the country in 2025 and 2026  

Overview  

The government of Canada will reform the International Student Program and tighten eligibility requirements for temporary foreign workers (TFWs). The following measures will be introduced: 

• Canada will reduce the intake cap on international student study permits for 2025 to 437,000. This is a 10% reduction from the 2024 target number of 458,000 study permits. The number of study permits issued in 2026 will be the same as 2025.  
• The government will update the post-graduation work permit program requirements for the fall of 2024.  
• Limiting spouse work permits is eligible for the spouses of master’s degree students. As a result, spouse work permits will only be granted to those with a spouse in a program at least 16 months.  
• Limiting work permit eligibility later this year to spouses of foreign workers in management or professional occupations or sectors with labor shortages—under Canada’s work permit programs (TFWP and IMP).  

According to the government, these measures aim to better protect the integrity of the country’s immigration system.  

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of Canada’s website and Envoy Global’s website for the latest updates and information.