Canada keeps 150,000 international student target through 2029
Canada will maintain its annual target of 150,000 international student arrivals for 2027, 2028 and now 2029. The extension was announced on 5 November as part of the Immigration Levels Plan 2027‑2029 and applies to prospective international students seeking to study in Canada.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Target of 150,000 international student arrivals extended to 2029
- Timing
- Effective for the years 2027, 2028 and 2029
- Who is affected
- Prospective international students and Canadian education providers
The details
- Announced by
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Takes effect
- 2027, 2028 and 2029
- Previous rule
- The 2027‑2028 Immigration Levels Plan set a target of 150,000 international student arrivals for each of those two years.
- New rule
- The same 150,000‑student target is now confirmed for 2029 as well, keeping the overall goal of 370,000 temporary residents annually.
Announcement and context
On 5 November the Canadian government revealed that the 150,000‑student annual target will remain unchanged for 2027, 2028 and now also for 2029. The decision is part of the Immigration Levels Plan 2027‑2029, which aims to admit 370,000 new temporary residents each year, including 220,000 workers.
Target details
The plan keeps the student component at 150,000 per year, matching the figures already set for 2027 and 2028. This stability is intended to give institutions a predictable environment for recruitment and program planning.
- Annual student target: 150,000
- Overall temporary resident target: 370,000
- Worker target within the plan: 220,000
Reactions from the education sector
The Canadian Bureau for International Education welcomed the extension, saying it provides the stability and predictability that institutions have long sought. Universities Canada also praised the decision, noting that predictable immigration policies are essential for rebuilding confidence in Canada’s international education system.
- CBIE: stable targets enable long‑term recruitment strategies
- Universities Canada: predictable policies attract global talent
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Students planning to apply for study permits can rely on the same annual intake number through 2029.
- Educational institutions can continue to schedule recruitment cycles without adjusting for a lower target.
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements were introduced with the target extension.
- Existing study‑permit application processes remain unchanged.
What you need to do
- Prospective students should continue to monitor IRCC updates for any future policy changes.
- Institutions should align enrollment forecasts with the confirmed 150,000 target through 2029.
Who this affects
-
Prospective international students
The extended target confirms the number of study‑permit slots available each year through 2029.
-
Canadian universities and colleges
Stable student arrival numbers allow them to plan recruitment and program capacity.
-
Education industry associations (CBIE, Universities Canada)
They rely on predictable immigration targets to advocate for members and shape policy dialogue.
Frequently asked questions
What is Canada's international student target for 2029?
Canada's target for 2029 is 150,000 new international student arrivals, matching the figures set for 2027 and 2028.
When was the extension of the student target announced?
The extension was announced on 5 November as part of the Immigration Levels Plan 2027‑2029.
Does the target extension change study permit requirements?
No, the announcement does not alter any study‑permit eligibility rules or documentation requirements.
How does the target fit into Canada's overall immigration goals?
The 150,000 student target is part of a broader aim to admit 370,000 temporary residents each year, including 220,000 workers.
What did Canadian education groups say about the decision?
Both the Canadian Bureau for International Education and Universities Canada welcomed the stability, saying it helps institutions plan and restores confidence in the system.
