Fact Check: International student numbers in Canada decreased by about 40% due to policy changes.

Fact Check: "International student numbers in Canada decreased by about 40% due to policy changes."

What We Know

Recent policy changes by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have significantly impacted the number of international students in Canada. In 2024, the IRCC implemented a cap on study permit applications, which led to a reduction in international student numbers by approximately 40% (Canada Study Permit Allocations For 2025, 2025 provincial and territorial allocations under the international ...). This cap was introduced to alleviate pressures on housing, healthcare, and other public services due to the increasing international student population (Canada: 2025 International Student Visa Cap and Allocations).

For 2025, the IRCC has set a target of issuing 437,000 study permits, which represents a 10% decrease from the previous year's allocation (Canada Study Permit Allocations For 2025). The changes also require most study permit applicants to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), further complicating the application process for potential students (2025 provincial and territorial allocations under the international ...).

Analysis

The claim that international student numbers in Canada decreased by about 40% due to policy changes is supported by multiple credible sources. The IRCC's decision to cap study permits was explicitly aimed at managing the influx of international students and addressing the strain on public resources (Canada: 2025 International Student Visa Cap and Allocations).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they come directly from official government announcements and reputable immigration news outlets. The data presented aligns across different reports, confirming the significant decrease in international student numbers as a direct consequence of the new policies (2025 provincial and territorial allocations under the international ..., Canada Study Permit Allocations For 2025).

While some sources mention mixed reactions from students and educational institutions regarding these changes, the overarching consensus is that the cap has effectively reduced the number of incoming international students by the stated percentage (Canada: 2025 International Student Visa Cap and Allocations, Where Will Canada's International Students Go In 2025?).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that international student numbers in Canada decreased by about 40% due to policy changes is accurate. The IRCC's introduction of a cap on study permits has led to a significant reduction in the number of international students, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources. The policy changes were explicitly designed to manage the impacts of international student populations on Canadian resources, resulting in a measurable decline in student numbers.

Fact Check: International student numbers in Canada decreased by about 40% due to policy changes.