Canada International Education Policy Updates

Canada raised student financial requirements by 11% overnight. Here's what this means for families planning their education investment. Canada just made studying there $2,260 more expensive for international students, and most families aren't prepared for this change. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that starting September 1, 2025, international students must prove they have $22,895 in living expenses, up from $20,635. It's an 11% increase that will fundamentally change who can afford Canadian education. Here's what this really means: 📌For current applicants: If you're applying before September 1st, you're still under the old requirement. Submit everything before this deadline if possible. 📌For families with multiple students: A family of four now needs $42,543 just for living expenses, not including tuition, which can be $30,000-$50,000 per year per student. 📌For financial planning: Canadian banks accept various proof of funds - GICs, bank statements, education loans, or scholarship letters. Start preparing these documents now. Canada wants international students (they contribute $22 billion annually to the economy), but keeps raising financial barriers. This creates a two-tier system where only wealthy families can access Canadian education, despite Canada's immigration goals. For students still planning to study in Canada, here are my two cents:  → Start saving immediately - don't wait until application time  → Consider provinces with lower living costs outside major cities  → Research scholarship opportunities early in your planning  → Look into education loans from participating banks  → Factor this into your total education budget planning Planning ahead will help you avoid financial stress later on. Does this change affect your education plans? 

🚨 Breaking News: Canada Ends Student Direct Stream (SDS) - A Game-Changing Move in International Education 🎓 📢 Canada Ends Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE): What Does It Mean for Students, Schools, and the Global Education Landscape? 🌎 Yesterday, Canada made a big move in the world of international education by discontinuing the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE), programs that were once known for offering quicker, simpler visa processes for students from countries like India, China, and Nigeria. This shift is part of Canada’s push to make the study permit process more consistent across the board, aiming for equal access and stronger protections for international students. As someone who’s spent years in the study abroad space, here’s my take on what this means and what we all should be thinking about: 🌍 For Students and Canadian Universities - With SDS and NSE ending, all students will now go through Canada’s standard study permit process. This change may mean longer processing times and more planning for those hoping to study in Canada. Canadian universities, which rely on a steady flow of int'l students, could see a shift in timing & potentially even the diversity of their incoming classes. This could impact how they support & prepare for the needs of int'l students. 💰 For Financial Institutions & Lenders The end of SDS and NSE may affect lenders supporting students with financing. Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) are still accepted, but with a standard process for all, timing and document requirements may vary. This means that banks and lenders may need to step up in guiding students through the new landscape, helping them plan early to avoid delays. 🌐 For Other Study Destinations With this change, other countries—like the USA, UK, Australia, and Germany see an opportunity. These countries have been actively working to streamline their student visa processes and could appeal to students looking for faster, more predictable timelines. 📅 Advice for Students and Counselors - Plan Ahead: Start preparing applications earlier than before, as processing times may vary. - Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from Canadian immigration authorities. Even small changes can impact your timeline. - Consider Alternatives: While Canada is a fantastic destination, students might explore other countries as well to keep options open. - Lean on Experts: Connect with financial advisors who understand Canada’s visa requirements. They can help navigate financing and timelines more effectively. At ForeignAdmits, we’re here to support students, counselors, and partners as they adjust to these changes. 💬 We’re committed to helping you find the best path forward, whether it’s planning for new timelines or exploring fresh opportunities in different countries. #StudyAbroad #CanadaEducation #StudentVisas #ForeignAdmits

🇨🇦 Study-permit approvals from India plunged 31% in Q1 2025... and the chill won’t thaw soon. Between January and March 2025, just 30,640 Indian students received #study permits for Canada. Last year? 44,295 in the same time frame. That’s a drop of nearly one-third. It’s not just India. Globally, study permits issued in Q1 fell from 121,070 in 2024 to 96,015 this year. This sharp decline isn’t random: it’s the result of a perfect storm of policy shifts: 🔹 Financial proof requirement doubled: from CA$10,000 to CA$20,635 as of January 1, 2024. 🔹 New letter-of-acceptance verification system: colleges now must validate each student’s LOA directly with #IRCC. 🔹 A national cap of 437,000 permits in 2025, down from last year, with the same target locked in for 2026. 🔹 Longer-term restriction plan: #Canada will limit temporary residents (including students + workers) to no more than 5% of the total population by 2027. What this means on the ground: 🌶️ Students need airtight proof of liquid funds. - Graduate-level programs hold stronger weight than diplomas. - Timing is everything. New steps = longer processing. - Alternative countries and pathways are suddenly in. - Canadian institutions face new pressures to be compliant, competitive, and credible. 🌶️ Strategic applications, stronger documentation, and long-range planning? More essential than ever for 🇨🇦.

Canada’s international education sector has gone through a number of policy changes since the start of this year. As these changes have been made on a piecemeal basis by the Canadian government, hence Canada has been in the news far more than the sector would have liked. However, as happens with almost every major event, the ‘news’ turns into ‘noise’, fuelled largely by ignorance of the facts. It is especially true in India, from where a large number of students go to Canada. Lets look at the facts below and cut the noise. Change no. 1- Canada announces a Cap on its international student intake. Noise- Canada doesn’t want international students and now it’s very difficult to go there. Fact- While Canada announced a reduction in the number of international students it would take every year, it is still going to welcome 437K students, which remains the largest number going to any country in the world. No other country, including the USA, the UK, Australia etc get such a large number of students from across the globe. Till last year, almost 40% of Canada’s international students came from India and at this ratio, still 175K or even higher number of Indian students should be going to Canada. Change no.2- Canada restricts Post Graduate Work Permit(PGWP) to only 5 select streams. Noise: Now it’s very difficult for international students to get a post study work permit in canada and work there. Fact- Yes, it’s correct that only students across five streams will get the PGWP now. But, this a good thing as the Canadian government has linked it to their job market needs. Now the students know which study programs are in demand in the Canadian job market and if they wish to stay and work in Canada, they now have a clear idea which programs to go for. Students who do not wish to stay back and work in canada and hence do not need a PGWP, could still select which ever program they want. Change no.3- Removal of SDS visa route Noise: It is now more difficult for Indian students to get a student visa for Canada. Fact: SDS program was only applicable for few select countries, including India. It promised to decide student visa application within 21 days and also required relatively fewer documents. However, it needed a student to deposit first year tuition fee in advance. The reality is that there is not more than 1-2 week difference in visa issuance timeline vs the regular route. So, one just needs to apply 1-2 weeks earlier. One big advantage of the normal route is that students need to deposit only first semester tuition fee and hence initial fund requirement is lower.At IDP, our visa approval rates are very good for normal route application. If you are a genuine student and can afford studying in Canada, getting a student visa is NOT a problem. So, let’s promote FACTS and cut down on NOISE. Canada remains a Great place to study. Do watch the video below IDP Education Ltd IDP India #Canada #studyincanada #studyabroad #ielts #canadabound