International arrivals to Canada dropped sharply in the first half of 2025.
Canada welcomed far fewer international students in early 2025. From January to June, 88,617 fewer students arrived compared to the same period in 2024. This drop equals more than 70 percent fewer study permits. The total number fell from 125,034 permits in 2024 to only 36,417 in 2025.
The decrease showed every month. In April 2024, Canada issued 45,806 study permits. By April 2025, that number fell to 8,543. March 2025 saw only 3,819 permits issued, the lowest of the year. May and June remained low as well, with 4,553 and 4,185 permits issued.
Foreign workers faced similar declines. Between January and June 2024, Canada issued 245,137 work permits. In the same period of 2025, the number fell to 119,234. This represents a 50 percent decrease. The combined drop in student and worker arrivals totalled 214,520 fewer people than last year.
The Canadian government introduced new limits in 2024. A two-year cap restricted the intake of international students. The plan aimed to reduce student arrivals by about 40 percent. Officials said the move would also ease pressure on the rental housing market in cities with large student populations.
In 2025, the cap tightened even more. Authorities announced a 10 percent cut from the previous year. The goal was to issue 437,000 study permits. Each application now also needs an attestation letter from a province or territory. This rule makes the process longer and more selective.
Canada also changed rules linked to work permits. Since September 2024, students in programs tied to curriculum licensing deals no longer qualify for post-graduation work permits. In addition, spouses of international students face stricter rules. Only spouses of master’s and doctoral students can now apply for open work permits. Spouses of undergraduates and college students are excluded.
The government said these steps were necessary. Officials explained that the goal is to control growth, support communities, and balance immigration needs. But for international students and foreign workers, the numbers show a sharp decline. Canada, once seen as a top destination, is now much harder to access for study and work.
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