This Week’s Major Canada Study & Immigration News Summary
📅 Week 39: September 22-26, 2025
Study Permit Applications Drop by 90,000 | Record 13,632 Immigration Invitations | Significant Increase in Fund Requirements
Major policy changes occurred this week in Canada’s study and immigration sector, impacting hundreds of thousands of Chinese students and immigration applicants. We provide in-depth analysis of the underlying impacts of each policy.
📊 This Week’s Key Statistics at a Glance
13,632
Total Immigration Invitations
📈 +25%
-89,890
Reduction in Study Permits
📉 -48%
$22,000
New Fund Requirement (CAD)
📈 +10.95%
4,500+
Ontario Employer Nominations
📈 Weekly High
🎓 Study Policy
Canada Study Permit Applications Plummet by 89,890, Largest Drop in History
In the first half of 2025, Canada’s international student visa numbers decreased by nearly 90,000 compared to the same period last year, marking the largest decline since the implementation of the student visa cap policy. The government’s cap measures are having a significant effect.
📍 Key Impacts:
- Chinese students most affected, application difficulty significantly increased
- Provincial allocation quotas tight, competition intensified
- Private college enrollments severely impacted
📅 Released September 4, 2025
🛂 Immigration Policy
13,632 Immigration Invitations in First Week of September, Setting New Weekly Record
In the first week of September, Canadian provinces issued a total of 13,632 immigration invitations, with Ontario leading by issuing 4,500+ employer nomination invitations, and Manitoba offering more friendly options for graduates.
📍 Key Impacts:
- Positive signals for Indian applicants
- Provinces actively responding to federal immigration targets
- Skilled immigration pathways further expanded
📅 First Week of September 2025 Data
💰 Fund Policy
Study Permit Fund Requirements Increased by 10.95% to $22,000 Starting September
Effective September 1, 2025, Canada’s minimum cost-of-living requirement for study permits increased by 10.95% to better reflect rising living expenses in Canada. This is an IRCC measure to align with Statistics Canada data.
📍 Key Impacts:
- International student financial threshold further raised
- Families need to prepare more proof of funds
- Quebec has independent fund requirement standards
📅 Effective September 1, 2025
🎯 Work Permit Policy
PGWP Program Requirements Updated, Some Programs to be Removed
Programs removed on June 25 will remain valid until the next update in early 2026. Students who submitted study permit applications between June 25 and July 4 still meet the program requirements.
📍 Key Impacts:
- Some humanities and social sciences programs face restrictions
- STEM program advantages further highlighted
- Current students protected by transition period
📅 Policy Continuously Updated
📈 Long-term Planning
2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan: 40% of New Immigrants from Within Canada
Over 40% of expected permanent residents in 2025 will come from temporary residents already in Canada. Research shows that new immigrants with Canadian experience have higher long-term success rates.
📍 Key Impacts:
- Clear advantages for in-Canada applicants
- Study-to-immigration pathway becomes more important
- Temporary resident ratio to be controlled within 5%
📅 Implementation 2025-2027
📊 Public Opinion Poll
Poll Shows Nearly 75% of Canadians Support Reducing Immigration Numbers
A survey released this week by Nanos Research shows that nearly three-quarters of Canadian respondents now support reducing the number of new immigrants, a change that has drawn political attention.
📍 Key Impacts:
- Immigration policies may face stricter scrutiny
- Government needs to balance economic needs and public opinion
- Increased importance of immigrant integration services
📅 Latest Poll This Week
⏰ This Week’s Timeline of Major Events
September 26, 2025 (Today)
IRCC Processing Times Update – Latest processing times for September 2025 released, study permit processing time further extended to 12-16 weeks
September 24, 2025
Nanos Research Poll Released – Nearly 75% of Canadians support reducing immigration numbers, hitting a new high in recent years
September 23, 2025
Ontario PNP Large Draw – Issued 4,500+ employer nomination invitations, covering multiple NOC categories
September 22, 2025
Manitoba PNP Friendly Draw – Issued special invitations to graduate category, minimum score only 60 points
September 4, 2025
Official Study Permit Data Release – Study permit numbers dropped by 89,890 in first half of 2025, largest decline in history
September 1, 2025
Fund Requirements Officially Increased – Study permit minimum cost-of-living requirement increased to $22,000, a 10.95% increase
🔍 In-depth Impact Analysis
🚨 Negative Impacts on Applicants
- Unprecedented competition for study permits, significantly increased admission difficulty
- Higher financial thresholds, increased family burden
- PGWP eligibility restricted for some programs
- Longer processing times, increased uncertainty
✅ Positive Development Opportunities
- Record-high immigration invitations, increased opportunities
- Clear advantages for in-Canada applicants
- Sustained strong demand for STEM programs
- Active opening of provincial PNP pathways
⚖️ Policy Balancing Considerations
- Government balancing economic needs and public opinion pressure
- Immigration strategy emphasizing both quality and quantity
- Orderly control of temporary resident numbers
- Combination of long-term planning and short-term adjustments
🗺️ Latest Provincial PNP Updates Summary
🏢 Ontario
This Week’s Highlight: Issued 4,500+ employer nomination invitations
Main Categories: Employer Nomination – International Students
Trend Analysis: Continuous large number of invitations, ample opportunities
Main Categories: Employer Nomination – International Students
Trend Analysis: Continuous large number of invitations, ample opportunities
🌾 Manitoba
This Week’s Highlight: Graduate category minimum 60 points
Main Categories: Skilled Workers + Graduates
Trend Analysis: Very friendly to graduates
Main Categories: Skilled Workers + Graduates
Trend Analysis: Very friendly to graduates
🦌 Saskatchewan
This Week’s Highlight: Occupation demand list updated
Main Categories: In-demand Occupations + EE
Trend Analysis: Stable invitations, focus on key occupations
Main Categories: In-demand Occupations + EE
Trend Analysis: Stable invitations, focus on key occupations
🏔️ Alberta
This Week’s Highlight: Tech pathway continuously open
Main Categories: Skilled Immigration Priority
Trend Analysis: Relatively stable score requirements
Main Categories: Skilled Immigration Priority
Trend Analysis: Relatively stable score requirements
🌊 Atlantic Provinces
This Week’s Highlight: AIP program remains popular
Main Categories: Atlantic Immigration Pilot
Trend Analysis: Fast processing, relatively low requirements
Main Categories: Atlantic Immigration Pilot
Trend Analysis: Fast processing, relatively low requirements
🍁 British Columbia
This Week’s Highlight: Tech Pilot program active
Main Categories: Skilled Workers + EE
Trend Analysis: High-score competition, quality-oriented
Main Categories: Skilled Workers + EE
Trend Analysis: High-score competition, quality-oriented
👨🎓 Expert Views and Response Recommendations
📚 Study Application Strategy Adjustment
- Plan Ahead: Start preparation at least 12-18 months in advance
- Multiple Options: Consider multiple provinces and institutions simultaneously
- Fund Preparation: Ensure meeting new fund requirement standards
- Program Selection: Prioritize PGWP-friendly programs
🎯 Immigration Application Optimization
- In-Canada Advantage: Prioritize applying from within Canada
- Provincial Nominee Focus: Closely monitor provincial PNP dynamics
- Language Improvement: Aim for higher English/French scores
- Work Experience: Accumulate Canadian local work experience
⚡ Emergency Alternative Plans
- Other Countries: Consider alternative options like Australia, UK
- Work Permits: Enter Canada through work permit pathways
- Family Sponsorship: Utilize family relationships for immigration
- Investment Immigration: Consider provincial investor categories
🔮 Future Trend Predictions (2025 Q4)
📊 Data Prediction Analysis
-15%
Expected continued decline in study permit applications
+20%
Expected increase in provincial nomination invitations
465,000
2025 total immigration target
5%
Temporary resident ratio cap
🎯 Key Trend Points
📉 Tightening Trends
- Study permit cap policy continues
- Fund requirements may further increase
- Processing times expected to lengthen
📈 Opportunity Expansion
- Continued advantages for in-Canada applicants
- Increased provincial PNP quotas
- Strong demand for STEM programs
🔄 Policy Adjustments
- Potential new changes after federal election
- Strict control of temporary resident numbers
- Quality-oriented immigration strategy
🚀 Seize the Key Moment, Develop the Optimal Strategy!
Frequent policy changes, professional guidance helps you successfully meet challenges
💡 Our professional team will tailor the most suitable application strategy for you based on the latest policy changes