Canada's Language Student Numbers Plummet 13% Amid Visa Policy Uncertainty

## Canada's Language Student Numbers Plummet 13% Amid Visa Policy Uncertainty Canada's official languages programs have reported a significant decline in student numbers and weeks, with the sector now facing a state of crisis. According to the Languages Canada survey of 160 member programs, the number of students welcomed by language programs in Canada fell by 13% in 2025, while student weeks dropped by 19% compared to the previous year. The decline in student numbers and weeks is attributed to unpredictable visa policy, which has been identified as the main driver of the downturn. Gonzalo Peralta, the executive director of Languages Canada, has laid blame squarely on the federal government's policy decisions, stating that while economic uncertainty and increased international competition contributed to the downturn, it is the policy environment that most decisively undermined the sector's stability and growth. The survey found that language programs in Canada welcomed fewer than 82,000 students who completed nearly 799,000 student weeks in 2025. This is a sharp decline from the previous year, when language programs in Canada welcomed 93,000 students who completed over 985,000 student weeks. The decline in student numbers and weeks is a significant blow to the sector, with many programs struggling to maintain viability and communities losing the economic and cultural benefits they provide. ## Private Programs Dominate the Sector Private programs dominate the sector, accounting for over three-quarters of language programs in Canada. International students significantly outnumber domestic students, with 93% of students coming from abroad. Japan retained its position as the top source country, sending nearly 12,000 students, followed by Brazil, South Korea, and Mexico. ## Visa Policy Uncertainty Continues to Plague the Sector The sector continues to face challenges due to unpredictable visa policy. The implementation of study permit caps in January 2024 has led to increasingly restrictive immigration policies and visa barriers. Canada's study permit approval rating fell to 36% last year, making it difficult for students to access the country. The report highlights the need for sector and government messaging that restores confidence in Canada as a welcoming study destination. ## Joint Pathway Program Launched to Support Seamless Student Transition In response to the challenges faced by the sector, a Joint Pathway Program (JPP) was launched early this year. The program brings together private language schools and post-secondary institutions to support seamless student transition, aiming to transform language education in Canada. The program aims to address the policy-driven barriers to student access and restore confidence in Canada as a welcoming study destination. ## Conclusion The decline in student numbers and weeks is a significant blow to the sector, with many programs struggling to maintain viability and communities losing the economic and cultural benefits they provide. The sector continues to face challenges due to unpredictable visa policy, but the launch of the Joint Pathway Program offers a glimmer of hope. Continued investment in quality, market diversification, and innovative recruitment will remain important, but these efforts can succeed only if policy-driven barriers to student access are addressed.