Millions of International Student Visas Are Expiring in Canada This Year: Here’s What It Means for You
Summary:
In 2025, a record number of international student visas are expiring as new IRCC caps and policy changes take effect. This shift has reduced the number of valid study permits in Canada by more than 20% since 2024, making extensions, work permits, and permanent residency pathways more competitive. Students nearing expiration should act early by applying for extensions, PGWPs, or PR programs before deadlines, preparing documentation in advance, and completing required Immigration Medical Exams (IMEs) with a certified Panel Physician.
Time to Read: ~7 minutes
What You’ll Learn:
Why so many international student visas are expiring in 2025
How to extend your study permit or transition to a work permit
What happens if you let your visa expire without taking action
Next Steps:
Start preparing your renewal or work permit application early
Gather required documents, including proof of studies and financials
Book your Immigration Medical Exam (IME) with a Panel Physician before applying
Millions of International Student Visas Are Expiring in Canada This Year: Here’s What It Means for You
In 2025, Canada sharply reduced the number of new study permits granted to foreign students, and the number of valid study permits in the country fell significantly.
Current estimates suggest the total number of people in Canada holding valid study permits has dropped by more than 20% from 2024 to mid-2025. Applicants, educational institutions, and employers have all been forced to adapt to this decline.
With immigration rules evolving and pathways becoming more competitive, students must be proactive to secure their future in Canada. Here’s everything you need to know about the expirations, including what to do if your visa is about to expire.
Learn More: How Many Permanent Residents Will Canada Accept This Year?
Who’s Impacted By the Visa Expirations?
The large number of expiring student visas signals a crucial moment in Canada’s international education landscape. For many students, their time in Canada represents a gateway to career advancement and permanent residency. However, failing to take timely action could result in a series of consequences.
Given the sheer number of expiring visas, government agencies, employers and educational institutions are also preparing for the impact. Universities and colleges may see fluctuations in enrollment, businesses could face workforce shortages and immigration services may experience processing backlogs. Understanding the full scope of this issue is essential for students and policymakers alike.
The expirations also impact the Canadian labour market and economy. Many industries rely on skilled international graduates to fill labour shortages, particularly in technology, healthcare and engineering fields. If a significant portion of students fail to transition to work permits or other visa categories, there could be a notable impact on the workforce. Employers who rely on international talent may need to adjust hiring strategies and policymakers may introduce temporary measures to retain skilled graduates.
Options for Students Nearing a Visa Expiration
An expiring visa does not mean your time in Canada has to come to an end. Students are able to apply for an extension or transition to a work permit. Here are some options to explore.
Apply for a Study Permit Extension
If you haven’t completed your program, you may apply for a study permit extension. If you apply before the expiration date, you can keep studying under maintained status while IRCC processes your application.
Quick Tips for Applying:
Apply long before your permit’s expiration date, as processing the extension could take up to 120 days.
Make sure your passport will remain valid for the length of your program (IRCC won’t extend a study permit past your passport’s expiry date).
Prepare to pay the $150 application fee.
Important Considerations:
If your permit has already expired, you’ll need to apply to restore your status and cannot study until that’s approved. Restoration requires additional fees and documentation.
Successful applicants require proof of continued enrollment, good academic standing, and sufficient financial support.
Transition to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs) can apply for a PGWP (up to 3 years, depending on program length).
The PGWP provides valuable work experience that can contribute to permanent residency eligibility through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.
You must apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of program completion.
Important Considerations:
Since May 15, 2024, most public-private partnership (PPP) programs are no longer PGWP-eligible. IRCC has also continued tightening PGWP rules in 2025, especially around distance-learning and non-degree programs.
If you apply while meeting all criteria, you may be authorized to work while your PGWP is in process; if refused, you must stop working immediately.
Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Several provinces offer nomination programs specifically for international graduates who wish to stay and work in Canada.
Important Considerations:
Eligibility criteria vary, but generally students with job offers in high-demand fields have a higher chance of securing a nomination.
Some provinces have dedicated streams for graduates of local institutions, providing a faster pathway to permanent residency.
Apply for Permanent Residency (PR) Directly
Some students may qualify to apply for permanent residency immediately through Express Entry or other federal/provincial pathways.
Strong language proficiency, skilled work experience and high educational qualifications can all improve your chances of approval.
Important Considerations:
As of August 21, 2025, Express Entry applicants are required to complete an upfront Immigration Medical Exam (IME) with an IRCC-approved panel physician before applying.
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) also provide alternative PR pathways for students who studied in designated regions.
Learn More: Canada’s Express Entry Draw: What It Is & How It Works
Preparing for an Expiring Visa
If you’re planning to stay in Canada after your visa expires, follow these key steps:
Start early (6+ months ahead): Newer policy caps and PAL/TAL rules mean fewer seats and longer queues when applying for extensions or status changes.
Confirm whether a PAL/TAL is required: Since 2025, it now applies to most master’s and PhD programs and some in-Canada changes of study level.
Apply before expiry: Protect your maintained status and avoid restoration delays.
If you miss the deadline: You must stop studying until your restoration is approved.
Book your IME early: Most work permit and PR pathways require a medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician, and Express Entry now requires this upfront.
Monitor IRCC updates: PGWP eligibility, study-permit rules, and processing times continue to evolve. The information listed here may change.
Potential Consequences
There are a number of things that can happen if you fail to take action before your visa expires.
First, you could lose your legal status. Students who do not renew or transition their visas before their expiration date will become out of status and may be required to leave Canada. This may also cause you to be ineligible for future work permits, job opportunities, PR applications or even re-entry into Canada in the future.
Being forced to leave the country can also lead to financial and personal distress including financial losses, disrupted career plans and emotional stress.
Act Now to Secure Your Future in Canada
An expiring visa can be nerve-racking, but getting a head start in the process allows you to continue building your career and life in Canada. Consulting with immigration professionals, staying informed about policy changes and preparing documentation in advance will help avoid disruptions and ensure a successful transition.
If you’re nearing your visa expiration, start your application process sooner than later. Don’t forget that Panel Physician can help with the required IME. Book your medical exam at one of our locations today.
