Canada is witnessing a significant decline in new study permit approvals, raising concerns about long-term impacts on the country’s education pipeline and immigration system.
A new report by ApplyBoard found that permit extensions now account for nearly three-quarters of all approvals granted to students at colleges and universities, indicating a sharp slowdown in the intake of new international students.
Meti Basiri, co-founder and CEO of ApplyBoard, warned that the trend could have lasting consequences for Canada’s talent pool. He noted that fewer new international students would mean fewer individuals gaining Canadian education credentials and local work experience—both key factors in qualifying for permanent residence.
The shift suggests Canada may face a reduced pipeline of skilled immigrants in the coming years, potentially affecting sectors that rely heavily on international graduates.
The report comes amid broader changes to Canada’s immigration and study permit policies, as the federal government looks to rebalance growth in the international student program.
