Canada Cuts Study Permit Cap by 10% to 437k in 2025, Exempts Grad Students from 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the 2025 international student study permit cap will be reduced by 10% to 437,000 permits, marking the second consecutive year of reductions. The new policy includes masters and PhD students under the cap for the first time, but the government simultaneously承诺d that graduate programs at public post-secondary institutions will be completely exempt from caps starting in 2026. This policy change has far-reaching implications for Chinese student applicants, requiring immediate strategy adjustments.

Detailed Policy Breakdown - 2025 Quota Allocation, PAL/TAL Requirements, 2026 Exemptions, Financial Requirements, DLI Compliance