The Roots of the International Student Cap Policy

In early 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a cap on study permits for international students, aiming to reduce the rapid growth in temporary residents amid concerns over housing shortages, healthcare pressures, and unsustainable immigration levels. This policy marked a significant shift from years of promoting Canada as a top destination for international education, where enrolment had surged by over 400 percent at public colleges in the decade leading up to 2024. The initial 35 percent reduction targeted undergraduate programs at public colleges and most private institutions, sparing master's and doctoral students at public designated learning institutions (DLIs).

Subsequent adjustments intensified the measures. For 2025, the cap was set at approximately 437,000 study permits, but actual new arrivals plummeted by 60 percent from January to September compared to 2024. By 2026, the total issuance target stands at 408,000 permits, including only 155,000 new arrivals for cap-affected categories, with 309,670 application spaces allocated provincially based on population and past approval rates. Exemptions continue for graduate-level public programs, primary/secondary students, and extensions at the same level and institution, but these provide limited relief to tuition-dependent colleges.

The policy's step-by-step implementation included Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) required for applications, further tightened open work permit rules for family members, and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) restrictions excluding certain college diplomas in fields like business and hospitality. This multi-layered approach has created ongoing uncertainty, deterring applicants and agents who once viewed Canada as a reliable pathway to permanent residency.

Enrollment Plunge: Statistics Painting a Bleak Picture

Canadian colleges, particularly public ones offering diploma and certificate programs, have borne the brunt of these changes. International enrolments, which comprised up to 50 percent of students at some institutions, have collapsed. Nationwide, new student arrivals dropped nearly 60 percent in 2025, leaving approximately 802,425 international students by August, a net loss of over 200,000 from the prior year.

Provincially, Ontario—home to many large colleges—saw a 48 percent decrease in first-semester international enrolments at 23 of 24 public colleges. In British Columbia, Selkirk College's international cohort shrank from 800 in 2022 to 450 in 2025 and is projected to hit just 200 in 2026. Manitoba's MITT experienced a 55 percent drop this year alone, while Prince Edward Island's Holland College anticipates losing 700 students over two years.

• Overall sector risk: Total international populations could decline by 50 percent in 2026.
• Bachelor's level: 36 percent drop reported across Canadian institutions.
• Undergrad-heavy colleges: Worst hit, with some forecasting 92 percent reductions in new arrivals in key cities like Toronto.

This isn't a temporary dip; experts predict sustained low inflows due to 30-34 percent approval rates on applications, down from 50-60 percent pre-cap.

Financial Strain: Billions in Lost Revenue

Public colleges have long depended on international tuition—often three to five times domestic rates—to subsidize operations, as provincial funding declined by about 30 percent from 2006 to 2024 while domestic tuition freezes persisted. The sector now faces CAD 5.7 billion in lost revenues, threatening viability.

Specific hits include Selkirk College's projected $9 million shortfall on a $73 million budget, Holland College's $4 million loss over two years, and Ontario colleges' cumulative $1.8 billion in cuts. For context, colleges lose money on most domestic students due to underfunding—Ontario spends only 40 percent of the national average per college student—making international revenue essential for trades, health, and high-cost programs.

As one expert notes, 'Institutions are going to be forced into greater and longer-term cuts.' This has led to hiring freezes, deferred infrastructure, and reviews of funding formulas in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and BC.

First Casualty: MITT College Shuts Down

The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT), a public post-secondary institution in Winnipeg, became the first to announce closure due to the cap's fallout. A 55 percent international enrolment decline made its model unsustainable, prompting the provincial government to shutter it.

MITT President Neil Cooke stated, 'These changes have created uncertainty... and sent a message abroad that international students aren’t valued here.' Existing students can complete studies or transfer to Red River College Polytech. Higher education consultant Ken Steele warned, 'MITT is the first... but I suspect it won’t be the last,' predicting mergers for small, remote campuses.

This case exemplifies vulnerabilities: trades-focused colleges in smaller provinces like Manitoba (allocated just 6,534 new permits in 2026) struggle amid demographics and policy shocks.Similar challenges in other regions.

Photo by Philip Yu on Unsplash

Ontario: Ground Zero for Layoffs and Suspensions

Ontario, allocated 70,074 new study permits (104,780 applications) in 2026, hosts the crisis's epicenter with massive colleges like Conestoga slashing over 2,500 positions in two years. Unions project 10,000 job losses across 24 colleges, alongside 600 suspended programs and widespread layoffs at places like Brantford campus.

• Colleges Ontario CEO Maureen Adamson: '$1.8 billion cut, 600 programs suspended, 8,000 positions gone.'
• Further strain from 2026's halved cap (155,000 national new arrivals).
• Cities like Kitchener-Waterloo feel ripple effects, with Conestoga's downturn impacting local economies.

Explore academic opportunities in Canada amid these shifts or check higher ed jobs for affected professionals.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Frustration and Calls for Reform

College leaders express dismay. Selkirk's Maggie Matear highlighted policy whiplash: 'The uncertainty has taken a real toll... frustrating and disheartening.' Colleges and Institutes Canada urges sustainable funding, noting expensive programs like trades can't survive without support.

Government defends the cap: Finance Minister Champagne emphasized capacity limits for housing and services. Provinces criticize unilateral federal moves, with Ontario reviewing models but facing backlash for tuition freezes.

Students and agents report diverted applications to Australia and the UK, while domestic stakeholders worry about program access. Balanced views call for collaboration: more domestic tuition flexibility, targeted funding, and intl focus on high-skill areas.

2026 Allocations: Provincial Breakdown

IRCC's allocations underscore disparities, with larger provinces getting more but still facing shortfalls.Official IRCC page

Provinces distribute to DLIs, prioritizing perhaps universities over colleges.

Adaptations, Challenges, and Paths Forward

Colleges pivot to domestic recruitment, high-demand fields (healthcare, trades, tech), and partnerships. Selkirk refocuses on workforce training; others seek mergers.

• Increase domestic tuition modestly.
• Leverage graduate exemptions.
• Advocate for stable policy, provincial bailouts.

Challenges persist: rural areas risk 8 percent workforce shrinkage by 2031 without immigration. Outlook: Stabilized but diminished intl sector, potential US rebound under Trump policies diverting students elsewhere.

Professionals can find stability via higher ed career advice or university jobs.

Photo by Alexander Anderson on Unsplash

Broader Implications for Economy and Education

Beyond campuses, fallout hits local economies—Selkirk generates $450M annually, supporting tourism ($1.1B). Job losses exacerbate labor shortages in aging regions.

For domestic students: Fewer subsidies mean higher costs or cuts to arts/community programs. Positively, lower intl demand eases housing in some areas.

Solution-oriented: Policymakers must balance sustainability with education's economic role (intl students contribute billions pre-cap). Institutions adapt via diversification; job seekers explore faculty positions or admin roles.

In summary, the cap addresses real pressures but risks long-term damage to Canada's higher ed competitiveness. Monitor for policy tweaks.

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