Starting this year, Canada is cutting the acceptance of new international students by at least 35 percent. The country, grappling with a shortage of housing and other social services tied to the surge in the international student population, is limiting the number of study permits issued. Additionally, the financial proof requirement from international applicants will increase from CAN$10,000 to $21,000; however, Quebec will remain at $7,500.
British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia – the most popular provinces for international students – will see the biggest drop in permits of nearly 50 percent from last year. These new restrictions will be in place until the end of 2025, with no impact on current study permit holders.
Furthermore, all new international students applying for study permits must obtain an attestation letter from their intended province or territory. All regions have until the end of this month to establish a process for issuing these additional documents.
Here are our recommendations for prospective international students applying to Canadian universities:
Obtain attestations promptly from desired provinces
Initiate the visa process for studying in Canada as early as possible
Explore universities in provinces with less stringent study permit limits, such as Alberta and Quebec
Research and consider schools in other countries
For further guidance on applying to Canadian universities and beyond, feel free to contact info@ivyoptions.com.