Canada’s International Student Pipeline Sees 97% Drop in New study permit Holders
Last Updated On 23 January 2026, 1:18 PM EST (Toronto Time)
Canada’s international student pipeline has been significantly reduced, with the latest figures from IRCC indicating a sharp decline in new study permit issuance. In November 2025, only 2,485 study permits were issued, a stark contrast to the peak of 95,320 permits issued in December 2023. This drastic decrease has caught the attention of social media and news outlets, with many highlighting the 97% drop in new student arrivals.
Recent reports suggest that IRCC views this decline as a positive outcome of the measures implemented to regulate student immigration. The government agency has emphasized that the decrease in study permit issuance reflects the effectiveness of the current policies aimed at managing temporary resident numbers.
It is essential to understand that the numbers reported by IRCC represent the issuance of study permits, not the actual number of students entering the country. The data reflect approvals that resulted in permits being issued, rather than individuals physically arriving at the border. Additionally, the figures do not account for permit extensions or asylum claimants, focusing solely on new arrivals holding study permits.
The most recent data from IRCC reveals a striking contrast between December 2023 and November 2025:
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- December 2023: 95,320 new student arrivals
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- November 2025: 2,485 new student arrivals
This significant drop underscores a sustained trend observed across various intake cycles, with notable decreases in student arrivals evident in key months such as August 2024 and August 2025. The impact of these changes on the education sector and broader immigration landscape remains a topic of interest and concern.
