Canada’s International Student Arrival Targets Through 2029

Canada has set a goal to welcome up to 150,000 new international students each year from 2027 through 2029. This target is part of a larger immigration plan that aims to manage the number of temporary residents entering the country. It’s important to understand that this figure represents the number of new students arriving in Canada, not the total number of study permits issued or applications processed.

The Canadian government announced this target as part of its updated Immigration Levels Plan. This plan outlines the country’s approach to immigration and temporary residency for the coming years. The student arrival target is a key component of this strategy, aiming to balance the benefits of international education with the country’s capacity.

Understanding the New Student Arrival Target

The target of up to 150,000 new international student arrivals annually from 2027 to 2029 is a specific measure. It focuses on individuals who are coming to Canada for the first time to begin a course of study that is six months or longer. These students must be enrolling at institutions that are approved by a province or territory, known as designated learning institutions.

This number does not include students who are already in Canada and are extending their study permits. It also does not count applications made from within the country. The goal is to track the flow of new international students entering Canada each year, rather than the overall number of study permits in circulation.

Distinguishing Arrivals from Permit Applications

A key point to grasp is the difference between new arrivals and study permit applications. While the target is for up to 150,000 new student arrivals, there is also an application processing cap. This cap, put in place in 2024, limits the number of study permit applications that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can process annually.

For example, in 2026, the government had planned to issue up to 408,000 study permits. This total included 155,000 permits for newly arriving students and 253,000 for extensions for students already in the country. The new arrival target is a subset of these figures, focusing solely on those coming from abroad to start their studies.

Broader Immigration Context

The international student target is set within a larger framework of temporary resident arrivals. For the years 2027, 2028, and 2029, Canada’s overall target for new temporary residents is 370,000 per year. This total includes approximately 220,000 new workers, in addition to the international students. Visitors entering Canada with temporary resident visas or electronic travel authorizations are not included in this student arrival count.

The phrasing “up to 150,000” indicates that this is a ceiling for planning purposes. It means that the number of new student arrivals could be less than 150,000 in any given year. The government has not committed to reaching this exact number, but rather uses it as a guideline for managing immigration levels.

Scope of the Target

The national figure applies to all international students arriving for longer study programs, regardless of their country of origin. It is not divided into separate allocations for different nationalities. The focus is on the overall number of new students entering the country to pursue education.

The target is designed to measure the influx of new talent and individuals seeking educational opportunities in Canada. It is a forward-looking plan that aims to provide predictability for both prospective students and educational institutions. The figures for 2028 and 2029 are considered notional and may be adjusted in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions