Canada Reveals 2025 Study Permit Breakdown: A Closer Look at Provincial Allocations and New PAL Requirements
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled the anticipated distribution of study permits for international students in 2025. The comprehensive breakdown, which outlines the number of study permits expected to be issued across Canadian provinces and territories, also includes important updates regarding the new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirements. Here’s everything you need to know about the study permit allocations, PALs, and the implications for international students.
Table of Contents:
- Overview of 2025 Study Permit Allocations
- Key Changes in Study Permit Requirements for 2025
- Provincial Breakdown of Study Permits
- New PAL Requirement and Exemptions
- Implications of Reduced Study Permit Allocations
- Conclusion and Next Steps
1. Overview of 2025 Study Permit Allocations
In 2025, Canada is expected to issue a total of 437,000 study permits, reflecting a 10% decrease compared to the previous year. The reduction in the number of permits is part of the federal government’s broader strategy to manage the flow of international students and adjust the balance of temporary residents in the country.
The permits will be allocated across various categories, with a notable portion reserved for graduate degree students. The breakdown reveals how many students from different levels of education will receive permits and the introduction of new requirements to streamline the process.
2. Key Changes in Study Permit Requirements for 2025
A key change this year is the introduction of the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement for graduate students. Previously exempt from PALs, master’s and doctoral students will now need to submit these letters with their applications starting in January 2025. The PAL system is designed to ensure that each province attests to the necessity of the student’s presence in its educational institutions.
This move aligns with the government’s strategy to reduce temporary residency numbers while still meeting the educational needs of various provinces. The cap on study permits is also intended to control the number of international students relative to Canada’s overall population.
3. Provincial Breakdown of Study Permits
The distribution of study permits varies significantly across Canadian provinces. The largest share of study permits will go to Ontario (116,740), followed by British Columbia (53,589) and Quebec (72,977). The allocation is based on factors such as provincial educational capacity, regional demand, and institutional participation.
Here is the full provincial breakdown of expected study permits for graduate and non-graduate (PAL/TAL-required) students:
| Province/Territory | Graduate Students | Remaining Students Requiring PAL/TAL | Total Expected Permits |
| Alberta | 3,887 | 28,773 | 32,660 |
| British Columbia | 20,053 | 33,536 | 53,589 |
| Manitoba | 1,224 | 8,797 | 10,021 |
| New Brunswick | 1,400 | 5,030 | 6,430 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 1,456 | 3,208 | 4,664 |
| Northwest Territories | 0 | 220 | 220 |
| Nova Scotia | 1,954 | 6,343 | 8,297 |
| Nunavut | 0 | 220 | 220 |
| Ontario | 21,841 | 94,899 | 116,740 |
| Prince Edward Island | 205 | 1,045 | 1,250 |
| Quebec | 19,683 | 53,294 | 72,977 |
| Saskatchewan | 1,578 | 7,291 | 8,869 |
| Yukon | 1 | 338 | 339 |
| Total | 73,282 | 242,994 | 316,276 |
The table reflects the expected number of study permits issued across Canada, both for graduate students and other categories requiring PALs. The data highlights the concentration of international students in provinces with larger universities and educational institutions, such as Ontario and British Columbia.
4. New PAL Requirement and Exemptions
As of January 2025, master’s and doctoral students are now required to submit a PAL letter, a significant change from previous years. However, there are certain groups exempt from this new rule, including:
- Primary and Secondary School Students: Students in kindergarten to grade 12 are not required to submit a PAL.
- Exchange Students: Students participating in exchange programs are also exempt.
- Government Priority Groups: Certain vulnerable groups or those classified as government priority groups are excluded.
- Existing Study Permit Holders: Students applying for an extension at the same designated learning institution (DLI) and at the same level of study do not need to provide a PAL.
This exemption policy aims to streamline processes for students in these categories, ensuring that the new PAL requirement does not hinder their education plans.
5. Implications of Reduced Study Permit Allocations
The decrease in study permits from 2024 levels aligns with Canada’s long-term immigration goals, which include reducing the percentage of temporary residents in relation to the country’s population. The reduction is a part of a broader strategy laid out in the Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027.
Alongside the lowered target for study permits, changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program and restrictions on family open work permits are expected to further control the number of international residents. These shifts may affect the overall influx of students and their ability to transition to permanent residency or work permits after graduation.
6. Conclusion and Next Steps
The 2025 study permit allocations and PAL requirements are pivotal in shaping Canada’s future as a global education hub. While international students will continue to play a vital role in the Canadian education system, the new policies reflect a more strategic and controlled approach to managing temporary residency.
International students and educational institutions alike will need to stay informed about these developments to navigate the application process smoothly. Prospective students should ensure they understand the new PAL requirements and plan their applications accordingly to avoid delays.
With the new restrictions and reduced allocations, Canada is poised to adjust its immigration framework to balance student admissions while maintaining social and economic stability.
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