Canada sees 60% drop in foreign students

Canada is experiencing a sharp decline in the number of new foreign students and temporary foreign workers entering the country this year, based on the latest statistics released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Wednesday.

- Simple Vishwakarma

Between January and August 2025, there were 278,900 fewer immigrants who came to Canada than did during the same time in 2024. New international student arrivals fell by nearly 60%, while temporary foreign workers declined by 146,395 over the same period. In August alone, 45,380 international students entered the country.

Why?

Among the major reasons for the decline is the yearly limit on international student study permits, which was initiated in 2024 and then reduced by another 10% in 2025. Acceptance letter verification was also made compulsory in Canada to thwart study permit fraud, and increased financial documentation requirements were put in place to position students for the high cost of living.