Canada study permit rules 2025: Everything international students need to know

Canada's study permit landscape has undergone significant changes in 2024–2025, and staying informed is essential for anyone planning to study there. The federal government has introduced annual caps on new study permits, tightened requirements for designated learning institutions (DLIs), and updated the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria. This article explains every change in plain language: who is affected, what the new financial proof requirements are (the GIC amount has increased to CAD $20,635), how provincial attestation letters work, and what these changes mean for students from different countries. We also cover processing times by nationality, tips for strengthening your application, and what to do if your permit is refused. If you're planning to study in Canada in 2025 or 2026, this is the most current and comprehensive guide available.