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The effects of the cap on international study permits in 2024 has started showing its effects. While there has been a sharp decline in the number of permits issued, this policy change has drastically impacted Canadian colleges an universities which had become heavily reliant on international students. As a result of the decline in international students, colleges have had to resort to layoffs, suspension of programs and some institutions could also face closure. It is believed that institutions have incurred losses of close to $1 billion.
Some of the colleges that have been hit hard by this policy decision include Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario which has suspended 16 programs for this year. The college has seen a 23% drop in international student applications. Northern College in Timmins is also facing similar financial difficulties. They received a large proportion of students from India. Sheridan College has suspended 40 programs while Seneca College has closed its Markham campus. Centennial College has suspended 49 programs. While some provincial governments are stepping up with financial support, it may not be enough to sustain the colleges. The Ontario post-secondary institutions had become highly dependent on international students, accounting for 43% of enrollment, with Indian students making up 67% of that figure.
The maximum number of study permit applications to be accepted for processing in 2025 was set at 550,162. Once the number of applications crosses this limit, no further applications will be accepted and the processing fees will be refunded.
Since January 2024 when the Canadian Government announced caps on study permits for undergraduate students, there has been a clear decline in both applications and issuances across postsecondary education in Canada. Despite the decline, the study permit cap has resulted in improved study pemit approval rates among Indian students and opportunities remain to pursue study abroad journeys in Canada. While fewer students applied to study in Canada, those who did saw a study permit approval rate of 90%- a significant improvement over the 63% approval rate in 2023. Some of the universities which saw an increase in Indian student enrollments include Yorkville University, University of Lethbridge and the University of Regina.
Study permit caps were also announced for master's and doctoral students from 2025/26 academic year. However, the government issued 19% fewer graduate study permits during the 2023/24 academic year compared to the previous year. Here as well, the approval rate increased from 78% to 92%. Schools like International Business University, Trinity Western University and the University of Niagara Falls grew their intake of Indian graduate students in 2023.
Earlier this year, a report noted that nearly 50,000 international students who received study permits for Canada were marked as "no shows" at their institutes. Out of these, nearly 20,000 were from India. Non-compliant international students made up 6.9% of the total number of international students registered with IRCC. Many of the "no-shows" were likely in Canada working with an aim to get permanent residency.
Immigration Targets for 2025 in Express Entry had increased from 110, 770 in 2024 to 124,590 in 2025. This is in line with the government's objectives of encouraging more skilled immigrants. The overall immigration levels have been reduced by 20% compared to 2024. This gives the government more control over immigration, with fewer admissions processed through provincial and regional immigration pathways. The Federal High-Skilled allocation will make up a significantly higher portion of the immigration targets-going up to 31.5% of overall admissions. The Provincial Nominee Program allocations have been reduced from 110,000 to 55,000 admissions.
In December 2024, the Immigration Minister had also announced that the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points will no longer be awarded to valid job offers. Earlier, candidates in the Express Entry could receive wither 50 or 200 additional points if they had a valid job offer. This is likely to lead to a drop in the CRS scores of many candidates in the Express Entry pool.
In 2025, the Federal High Skilled category has been divided into two sub-categories-Federal Economic Priorities and In-Canada focus. The In-Canada focus has been allocated 82,890 admissions while the Federal Economic Priorities has been allocated 41,700 admissions. The Express Entry draws are expected to focus more on category-based selections that align with labour market priorities.
The number of Indian students enrolling in higher education increased from 13.18 lacs in 2023 to 13.35 lacs in 2024. This is an indication of the dramatic increase in the number of students pursuing higher studies abroad since the pandemic. Countries like Canada, US, Australia and UK remain the top choice for Indian students looking to pursue a degree abroad.
With effect from December 1, 2024, Canada has increased fees for temporary resident applications. This is applicable to those seeking to visit, work or study in Canada or those renewing their temporary resident status. The fees have been increased by about $10. In 2025, the Government has planned to reduce new permanent residents from 485,000 to 395,000.
From October 1, 2024, the Canadian Federal Court has launched a Study Permit Pilot Project to expedite the judicial review process for rejected study permit applications. According to this pilot project, both the IRCC and the student must agree to a judicial review. Applicants must file their documents electronically through the court's e-filing system. There is a $50 fee for filing an application for leave and judicial review. Students need to apply within 15 days if they are still in the country or 60 days from outside Canada.
Nearly five million temporary permits are set to expire by the end of 2025. Most of the temporary permit holders are expected to leave voluntarily. Out of these, 766,000 are foreign students who will be graduating or completing their PGWP program.
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STUDY IN CANADA
CURRENT STATISTICS
According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education, Canada hosted 997,820 international students in 2024 — a 4% decrease compared to 2023. The impact of the recently introduced cap on study permits is expected to be reflected in the 2025 data. Indian students accounted for the largest share, representing 39% of all international students in Canada. However, significant declines were observed from several countries, including India (-32%), Nigeria (-29%), and the Philippines (-27%).
In terms of location, Ontario attracts the maximum number of international students with 482,435 students (49%) followed by British Columbia with 203,965 (21%) students.
The report also highlighted that 70% of international students intend to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, while 57% plan to pursue permanent residency. In addition to offering high-quality education, Canada provides international students the opportunity to work for up to three years after graduation, along with a streamlined pathway to permanent residency.
THE BENEFITS OF STUDYING IN CANADA
Affordable Cost of Studies
Choice of World-Class Universities
No 3 Best Country for Quality of Life
(US News & World 2023)
High Standard of Living
Opportunities for work experience
No 4 Best Country for Education
(US News & World 2023)
Canadian Universities offer some of the lowest tuition fees for international students. With affordable cost of living in many cities across the country, it is no wonder that Canada is a top choice for many international students. Other reasons for choosing Canada include the fact that it is considered a safe and stable country, it has a strong reputation for quality education and a society that is generally tolerant and non-discriminatory. Canada also offers the opportunity for students to gain work experience for up to 3 years after graduating.
Our career counselors are at hand to guide you on the various options available in terms of Universities and Colleges in Canada based on your course preference, budget and locational preference.
Selecting the Institute
DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTES
While all primary and secondary schools are Designated Learning Institutes (DLI), all post-secondary institutes are not DLI's.
Designated Learning Institutes are institutes which are approved by a provincial or territorial government to accept international students. While the top-ranked Universities and Colleges are all DLI's, many private universities, colleges and vocational institutes may not be approved or only some programs may be approved for international students.
It is important to check this before applying for admission to any institute.
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
The quality of education offered in Canadian Universities can be gauged by the number of Canadian Universities that feature in the World Ranking of Universities.
While University of Toronto, University of British Columbia and McGill University consistently top the rankings for Canadian Universities, there are 30 Universities which feature in the top 1000 Universities.
For a complete subject-wise list of top ranking universities in Canada, click on the button below.
THE ADMISSION PROCESS
While most institutes accept admissions for the Fall Session in September, some Universities also accept applications for the Winter semester and the Summer semester.
As a first step, it is important to check on whether the institute is approved as a DLI before proceeding with the rest of the admissions process.
Visit the Admissions Procedure page to understand the application process and the documentation that you need to complete as well as the process to apply for a study permit
Institutes in Victoria, British Columbia
Camosun College
Victoria is also home to Camosun College, one of the largest public colleges in British Columbia.
Providing an exceptional educational experience, the college offers programs with an experiential learning and applied learning opportunities. Camosun College also offers vocational courses and upgrading opportunities.
Located in the Greater Victoria area of Saanich, Camosun College is just 15 minutes from downtown Victoria.
Royal Roads University
Located in Greater Victoria, the Royal Roads University offers a great experience to international students.
With a history dating back to the 1940's when it was a training institute for military officers, the Royal Roads University is a heritage site which is also located on land belonging to the indigenous people of Canada.
An ideal weather throughout the year along with a variety of entertainment and sporting opportunities nearby makes this university an ideal institute.
University of Victoria
While most international students mainly apply to institutes in Vancouver, Victoria has equally good institutes that can be considered.
The University of Victoria is ranked 349 on the QS World Rankings List and also features amongst the top Canadian Universities for research.
Victoria is not just the capital of British Columbia. The location of the city is close to Vancouver and Seattle, Washington. The garden city is one of the oldest cities in Canada.
Visitor Visa
A Visitor's Visa or Temporary Resident Visa is required to enter Canada as a tourist. The Visitor Visa is valid for up to 6 months. The application form is online. An appointment needs to be made to provide the Biometrics, if required. The visa processing can take up to 45 days. The cost of the tourist visa starts from Rs. 11,500 (approx). One can apply online for the visa or go through an Authorized Visa Agent (AVA). Should you require any assistance with visa services, flight bookings or hotel accommodation, our Travel Concierge would be happy to assist you!
