Canada Maintains 150,000 Annual International Student Target Through 2029
Nov 9, 2026
Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming international students, maintaining its target of 150,000 new student arrivals annually through 2029. The decision offers a degree of certainty to prospective students and Canadian educational institutions following several years of policy changes and tighter immigration restrictions.
The announcement was made on November 5, 2026, as part of the federal government's newly released Immigration Levels Plan for 2027–2029. Under the plan, Canada intends to welcome 370,000 new temporary residents annually over the next three years, comprising up to 150,000 international students and 220,000 workers.
The 150,000 annual student target had already been established for 2027 and 2028 under the previous immigration plan. The latest announcement extends the same target to 2029, signalling that the government intends to maintain its current approach to managing international student arrivals over the coming years.
The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has welcomed the decision, describing the continued targets as an important step towards providing stability and predictability for institutions and the wider international education sector. According to the organisation, greater certainty will help colleges and universities develop long-term recruitment strategies, plan academic programmes and work more effectively with government, businesses and local communities.
However, CBIE President and CEO Larissa Bezo cautioned that Canada remains some distance from achieving its existing international student targets. She noted that the latest available figures for 2026 indicate that actual arrivals are falling short, making collaboration across the education sector essential to meeting the government's ambitions.
Universities Canada has also welcomed the decision, highlighting the importance of predictable immigration policies in rebuilding confidence in the country's international education system and attracting global talent. Its President and CEO, Gabriel Miller, emphasised the role universities play in supporting Canada's economic development through talent development, research and partnerships with businesses and communities.
The announcement comes after a series of measures introduced by the Canadian government to manage temporary immigration. These include limits on study permits and tighter eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which have created uncertainty for international students and institutions.
For prospective international students, maintaining the 150,000 annual target provides a clearer indication of Canada's intended international student intake through 2029. It also suggests that the country continues to recognise the contribution international students make to its education system, workforce and economy.
Nevertheless, the announcement should not be interpreted as a relaxation of Canada's study permit requirements. The overall target does not guarantee admission, study permit approval or eligibility for post-study work opportunities. Students must still meet the applicable admission, financial, and immigration requirements, while PGWP eligibility will continue to depend on the relevant programme and institutional criteria.
With the government maintaining its student arrival target while continuing to manage temporary immigration, prospective applicants should approach their study plans carefully. Choosing an eligible institution and programme, understanding current study permit requirements, and preparing a strong application remain important steps towards studying in Canada.
Source: The PIE News