Canada has long been a top destination for international students, but recent changes to the country’s study permit policies are shaping the future of international education. In 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced updates to the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirements and study permit allocations to address resource pressures and improve program sustainability. Here’s what you need to know about these significant updates.
Key Changes for 2025
1. Reduced Study Permit Cap
To ensure the program remains sustainable, IRCC has reduced the total number of study permits to 437,000 for 2025—a 10% decrease compared to 2024. This adjustment helps manage housing, healthcare, and other service demands in areas with high student populations.
2. Expanded PAL Requirement
Starting in 2025, most study permit applicants must submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL). This requirement now extends to:
- Master’s and doctoral students.
- Most applicants currently residing in Canada.
However, certain groups remain exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement, including:
- Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) students.
- Specific Government of Canada priority groups.
- Existing study permit holders renewing at the same institution and level of study.
- Exchange students participating in reciprocal agreements.
3. Reserved Spaces for Graduate Students
To support advanced education, specific allocations have been reserved for master’s and doctoral students, ensuring opportunities remain accessible while managing numbers sustainably.
4. Provincial and Territorial Allocations
Each province and territory has been allocated a specific number of study permits based on historical data and approval rates. For example:
- Ontario leads with 116,740 permits for PAL-required applicants.
- British Columbia and Quebec follow with 53,589 and 72,977 permits, respectively.
- Smaller allocations were made for less populous territories like the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Detailed Breakdown
Target Distribution for 2025
- Graduate students: 73,282 permits.
- Kindergarten to Grade 12 (PAL-exempt): 72,200 permits.
- Other PAL-exempt groups: 48,524 permits.
- PAL-required groups: 242,994 permits.
Approval Rates by Province
Each province’s allocation reflects prior approval rates, ensuring a fair distribution of opportunities. Provinces cannot carry over unused allocations into future years.
Compliance for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) now face stricter compliance requirements. From November 2024, DLIs must:
- Participate in student compliance reporting.
- Verify letters of acceptance for international students.
Non-compliance may result in suspension from receiving new international students for up to one year.
Why These Changes Matter
These updates aim to balance the benefits of international education with the realities of Canada’s resources. While reducing the overall number of students, the measures ensure:
- Better access to housing and healthcare for all residents.
- Improved oversight and management of international student programs.
- A sustainable growth trajectory for Canada’s educational sector.
What Students Should Do Next
If you’re planning to study in Canada, here’s how to prepare:
- Check PAL/TAL Requirements: Determine if you need a PAL/TAL for your study permit application.
- Understand Provincial Quotas: Be aware of how these caps may impact your study plans based on your chosen province.
- Verify Your Institution’s Compliance: Ensure your designated learning institution meets the updated requirements.
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