Canada has always been a popular destination of choice for international students. Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicates that 600,207 new study permit applications were processed from January to August 2023. This is a 34% increase compared to the 445,508 new study permit applications processed over the same period last year.
The two tables below show the number of new study permit applications processed by IRCC for 2022 and from January to August 2023. In 2022, IRCC has processed a total of 8,752 new study permit applications from Hong Kong. With growing interest for international students looking to study in Canada, we expect to see the total number of study permit applications processed by the end of 2023 surpassing that of 2022.
Number of New Study Permit Applications Processed by IRCC (in Persons) By Month in 2022 and as of August 2023
Source: IRCC
Number of New Study Permit Applications Processed (2020-2023 Aug)
Source: IRCC
Number of Valid Canadian Study Permit Holders in 2022 Reach an All-Time High
As of the end of 2022, 807,260 international students are holding a valid Canadian study permit. The number of Canadian study permit holders in 2022 has also surpassed the previous high in 2019. We can see from the graph below that the number of study permit holders decreased in 2020 and 2021 amidst the global pandemic, but the number of study permit holders has spiked in 2022. With the gradual relaxation of travel restrictions and changing economic conditions, more international students are choosing to study in Canada. Post-secondary institutions in Canada are best known for quality education, offering valuable experiential learning and co-op programs to prepare graduates for opportunities in the ever-changing world.
Source: IRCC
How Long Does It Take to Process a Study Permit Application?
As published on IRCC’s website, the current processing time for a study permit application made outside of Canada is ten weeks (as of October 31, 2023). As for study permit applications made inside Canada, the current processing time is four weeks (as of October 31, 2023). The processing time listed on IRCC's website serves as a reference for how long it took the department to process most study permit applications in the past.
Nonetheless, processing time can vary will depend on multiple factors.
These factors may include:
Applicants interested in applying for a study permit should gather all the required documents for application and leave extra time for study permit application processing.
Last Call to Catch the PR Application Deadline Under the Stream A Pathway!
Canadian Post Secondary School Programs starting in May 2024 and September 2024 have opened for applications. To be eligible for PR application under the Stream A pathway, you will need to graduate from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada with either a degree (associate / bachelor’s / master’s), a 1-year graduate certificate, or diploma program at least 2 years in length before application. At least 50% of the program must be completed in Canada (whether this is in person or online). The deadline to apply for PR under the Stream A pathway is August 31, 2026!
If you would like to obtain professional assistance in selecting a suitable school/program; drafting your Study Plan and applying for your study permit to catch the deadline for PR application under the Stream A pathway, speak with our professional team today so we can assist you towards attaining immigration to Canada.
For further inquiries, please contact us at 28683780 or email inquiry@rothe.com.hk
Disclaimer
The information provided above is for general private reference purposes only and is not intended to be a comprehensive explanation of Canadian immigration laws or a substitute for professional legal advice. Rothe International Canada is not responsible for any losses caused by the use of the above information.
If you have any specific questions, you are welcome to contact Rothe International Canada directly at (852) 2868-3780 or fill in our online enquiry form.