Canada Study Permit Crisis: Audit Highlights IRCC Failures
Canada faces a growing Canada study permit crisis after a new audit exposed major gaps. The report, led by Karen Hogan, criticised Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for poor reforms. Students now question whether Canada remains a welcoming study destination.
The audit revealed serious concerns about how policies were introduced. In particular, the cap on international students created confusion. As a result, both provinces and institutions struggled to respond effectively.
Weak coordination and falling approvals
In Canada, the federal government controls immigration. Meanwhile, provinces manage colleges and universities. Therefore, both sides must work closely together. However, Hogan found that cooperation has weakened since new limits began.
Provinces reported frustration with poor consultation. In addition, they said IRCC did not explain how it used their feedback. This lack of communication created uncertainty across the sector.
Approval numbers also dropped sharply. In 2024, IRCC approved less than half of expected study permits. The trend continued in 2025, with only 50,000 approvals out of 255,000 by September. As a result, many student places remained empty.
Impact on students and institutions
The auditor noted that IRCC could not explain the decline in approvals. However, consultant Ken Steele offered a clear view. He argued that government signals discouraged international students.
According to Steele, Canada has lost global appeal. Students now choose alternatives such as Ireland and Japan. Smaller provinces suffered the most, with approval drops above 59%.
The report also highlighted oversight issues. Around 153,000 students may not have attended classes in 2023–24. However, IRCC reviewed only one percent of cases. Many investigations stopped when students failed to respond.
In addition, some institutions failed to submit required reports. Yet IRCC imposed no penalties. Despite these concerns, Minister Lena Metlege Diab stated that current measures still work, though improvements remain necessary.
