The audit of Canada’s International Students Program was confirmed to the outlet Globe and Mail by Auditor-General Karen Hogan’s office. The specifics of the audit were not disclosed, but a report on the matter is expected to be presented to Parliament next year.
Background
The office of the Auditor-General of Canada serves Parliament by furnishing it with factual information and expert advice on government programs. It describes its function as “legislative auditing.”
Recent Criticism and Policy Changes
Canada faced criticism for its international students program, particularly after a surge in intake following the post-Covid period under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The issue posed challenges for the ruling Liberal Party before the 2025 Federal election.
Due to concerns such as housing unaffordability and strain on infrastructure caused by record immigration, policy adjustments were implemented. Prime Minister Mark Carney, after returning to power post the April 28 Federal election, affirmed that the current stance on temporary residents, including students and foreign workers, will persist. The plan is to cap these residents at five percent of the population by 2027.
Recent Statistics and Changes
On September 18, 2024, IRCC announced a reduction in the cap for study permits issuance to 437,000 for 2025, down from the previous goal of 485,000. This figure will also be maintained for 2026.
Measures regarding international students in Canada began in late 2023. From January 1, 2024, new study permit applicants needed to demonstrate CA$ 20,635, up from the previous requirement of CA$ 10,000.
Impact on Indian Students
The number of study permits issued to students from India dropped significantly in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The total permits issued also decreased year-on-year.
IRCC data revealed that in the first quarter of 2025, 30,640 permits were issued to Indian students, a decrease of almost 31% from 2024. Overall, permit numbers decreased from 121,070 in 2024 to 96,015 in the first quarter of 2025.
This decline continues a trend of reduced international student intake after the Canadian government tightened regulations in late 2023.
Historical Data
In 2023, Canada issued 681,155 study permits, with Indians accounting for 278,045 of them. By 2024, total permits dropped to 516,275, and the Indian share decreased to 188,465.
