Canada has long been a top destination for international students, offering world-class education and promising career pathways. However, a recent policy change has raised concerns among prospective students and academic institutions alike. In 2024, the Canadian government announced a cap on new international student permits. They limited approvals to approximately 360,000 for 2024—a significant reduction aimed at "stabilizing growth" in the sector.
FutureBright Canada, a leading education consultancy specializing in university admissions and student immigration, is sounding the alarm on how these new restrictions could impact aspiring students and the higher education landscape.
What’s Changing and Why?
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced this cap as a response to increasing concerns about housing shortages, labour market strain, and an influx of fraud whereby applicants name fake universities just to stay in the country. According to the government’s statement, the policy aims to "protect the integrity of the international student program" while ensuring sustainability.
While officials frame the move as a necessary adjustment, many students are now facing higher rejection rates for study permits, leading to uncertainty about their academic futures in Canada.
Who Will Be Most Affected?
According to FutureBright Canada’s recent blog post, the shift poses major challenges for students who seek to obtain visas in Canada. The cap disproportionately impact students from high-demand regions where Canada has traditionally been a top choice for higher education. Additionally, smaller colleges and private institutions—many of which rely on international enrollments—could see financial strain due to the decline in student numbers.
How Boarding Schools Offer a Direct Pathway to University
Despite the visa cap, private boarding school applicants remain unaffected by these new restrictions. This means students of high school age can apply for a private boarding school, secure a study permit and later transition seamlessly into a Canadian university.
"Many families don’t realize that the student visa cap only applies to university and college applicants—not boarding school students," says Filiz Altinoglu, Education Consultant at FutureBright Canada. "For younger students, a CAIS-accredited boarding school is not only a pathway to higher education but also a way to establish strong academic credentials before applying to university."
FutureBright Canada exclusively works with Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS)—a network of highly respected private institutions known for their academic excellence, IB and AP programs, and strong university placement records. CAIS accreditation serves as a mark of quality control, and these schools are recognized by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Schools like Upper Canada College and Havergal College in Toronto provide international students with a secure, high-quality education, free from the uncertainty of the new visa restrictions.
What Should Families Do Next?
FutureBright Canada recommends that families:
✔ Apply early for boarding school placements, as application deadlines close in April.
✔ Choose CAIS-accredited institutions to ensure the highest education standards and a direct route to university admissions.
✔ Work with experienced education consultants to navigate the process smoothly and maximize the chances of visa approval.
A Secure Future in Canadian Education
Although Canada’s new visa cap is making it harder for international students to pursue higher education, boarding schools remain a reliable pathway to university acceptance.
FutureBright Canada is currently offering consultations to help families explore CAIS-accredited boarding school options and secure a clear path to Canadian universities.
Looking Ahead
As Canada reassesses its international student policies, FutureBright Canada is committed to ensuring that deserving students continue to have access to world-class education opportunities.
For students seeking assistance with pathways to a quality education in Canada that best fits the student's desires and aspirations, FutureBright Canada is offering consultations to help navigate these changes.
