Ontario's Student Visa Cutbacks Strain Colleges

Ontario’s higher education landscape is under fresh scrutiny as the provincial government announced another significant reduction in international student admissions.

For the year 2026, a maximum of 70,074 international students will be permitted to enroll, marking a drastic 42% decrease from the previous year. This decline follows the introduction of federal limits on study permits in early 2024, which have been tightened each year since.

New data indicates that 96% of the available placements will be designated for public colleges and universities, with the remaining 4% reserved for private institutions and language programs.

To regulate the number of incoming students, Ontario will issue 104,780 Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs), which are essential for the study permit application process. However, not every recipient is expected to enroll.

The 70,074 cap is strict; educational institutions must adhere to this limit without exception. Notably, starting in 2026, graduate students will no longer need a PAL, though they will still count against the total quotas.

Officials also clarified that colleges and universities will have the option to return any unused PALs during the year. The province holds the power to reclaim allocations as deemed necessary, with future placements prioritizing programs that address labor shortages and high-demand fields.

This announcement comes at a pivotal time, as Ontario’s colleges and universities have leaned heavily on international student tuition to counter years of stagnant government funding. Prior to the federal cap, tuition from international students made up nearly one-third of the sector's income.

The financial impact is already palpable, with institutions across Ontario reporting layoffs of thousands, campus closures, and hundreds of academic programs being discontinued. Sector representatives report billions in cuts, widespread job losses, and escalating concerns for both students and staff.

Alarm bells are ringing among universities, with anticipated deficits reaching hundreds of millions in this fiscal year alone. Educational leaders urge the province to swiftly adjust its funding strategies to ensure system stability and uphold educational access.

Despite repeated inquiries, the government has provided sparse details on the timeline for its anticipated funding review, stating only that discussions are currently in progress.

With diminishing numbers of international students, colleges and universities caution that without prompt action, the financial pressures could lead to lasting changes in Ontario’s educational landscape.