Canada’s Shifting Sands: How Immigration Policies are Reshaping International Student Enrollment
Canada is actively recalibrating its approach to international students, particularly at the graduate level. A recent social media campaign by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlights the benefits of pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in the country, including streamlined processing and the possibility of family members joining them. This initiative comes as Canada experiences a significant decline in international student arrivals, prompting a strategic shift towards attracting “top talent.”
The Numbers Advise a Story of Decline
Figures released in February 2026 reveal a 61 per cent decrease – 177,595 fewer students – in new international student admissions compared to the previous year. This drop follows the implementation of a cap on international student numbers in January 2024, initially intended to target institutions charging high fees for programs with limited value. However, the impact has been broader than anticipated, affecting both undergraduate and graduate enrollment.
A Focus on Graduate Students and Research
The federal government is now prioritizing graduate-level students, recognizing their contributions to Canada’s research ecosystem and innovation. Master’s and doctoral students at public designated learning institutions are now exempt from the requirement of obtaining a provincial or territorial attestation letter to secure a study permit. PhD student applications, along with those of their families, are being processed within a significantly reduced timeframe of two weeks.
Why the Change in Strategy?
Experts suggest the initial crackdown on international students, while aimed at addressing concerns about program quality and potential pathways to permanent residency, inadvertently deterred prospective students across all academic levels. Steve Orsini, president and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities, described the initial approach as “blunt,” impacting both programs with and without demonstrable industry require. The current shift reflects a recognition of the value that graduate students bring to Canada’s research and economic landscape.
Canada’s Competition on the Global Stage
Canada faces increasing competition from other popular study destinations, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, the UAE, and Singapore. Navitas, a company partnering with universities globally for student recruitment, reports a decline in interest in studying in Canada. This underscores the need for Canada to actively promote its strengths and streamline the application process to remain competitive.
Budget Allocations and Immigration Targets
The Canadian government has allocated $1.7 billion to attract leading international researchers. In November 2025, the immigration levels plan was adjusted to reduce the overall number of international students by half. This demonstrates a commitment to sustainable immigration levels while simultaneously prioritizing the recruitment of highly skilled individuals.
Impact on Universities and Colleges
Data from the Council of Ontario Universities indicates a 5-per-cent drop in graduate student enrollment between the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years. While the decline in undergraduate numbers was more substantial, the impact on graduate programs is a concern for universities relying on international students for research and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current cap on international students in Canada?
A: The 2026 national study permit cap is 408,000, comprising 155,000 new students and 253,000 extensions.
Q: Are there faster processing times for graduate student applications?
A: Yes, applications from eligible PhD students and their families are now being processed within 14 days.
Q: Do graduate students still need an attestation letter from a province or territory?
A: Master’s and doctoral-level students enrolling in universities are now exempt from this requirement.
Q: Is a study permit a guaranteed pathway to permanent residency in Canada?
A: No, the government has emphasized that a study permit is not an automatic route to permanent residency.
Q: What is IRCC doing to attract international students?
A: IRCC is running social media campaigns and streamlining the application process for graduate students.
Pro Tip: If you are a prospective graduate student, focus on demonstrating the quality and relevance of your research to increase your chances of acceptance and expedited processing.
Stay informed about the latest updates to Canadian immigration policies by visiting the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
What are your thoughts on Canada’s new immigration strategy? Share your comments below!
