CBIE continues to actively engage with government and sector stakeholders to identify opportunities for international education in Canada’s evolving approach to international trade, diplomacy and development and to ensure the perspectives of Canadian international education institutions are reflected in policy discussions that affect international students, talent attraction, and Canada’s global competitiveness. Most recently, CBIE contributed to several key consultations and engagement activities with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), while also supporting members through advocacy initiatives, data sharing, and opportunities for sector input.
International Student Program 2025 Year-End Data
On June 29, IRCC shared its first iteration of an annual International Student Program (ISP) data package to allow for more efficient, consistent and transparent data sharing with provinces and territories (PTs), as well as national education associations.
The 2025 year-end report provides a comparison of aggregate‑level data about study permit applications and the international student population between December 2024 and December 2025, presenting national-level data, with corresponding PT breakdowns. Long advocated by CBIE, this document also provides current approval rate trends by province and territory, and common refusal reasons and scenarios.
The data was circulated to Senior Internationalization Officers (SIOs) and CBIE held a virtual discussion on July 14 for SIOs to discuss the data and to provide feedback on the IRCC consultation on work and study authorizations.
IRCC Consultation to Streamline Work and Study Authorizations
CBIE would like to thank its members for their valuable engagement and contributions to inform our submission to IRCC’s consultation on streamlining work and study authorizations. Over 100 individuals participated in the SIO meeting on July 14, and more than 30 institutions provided written feedback. CBIE also benefited from the expertise and advice of its Immigration Advisory Committee (IAC).
The strong participation and thoughtful input from members helped ensure that institutional perspectives and experiences from across the sector were reflected in our submission. We will keep members informed as additional information and next steps become available.
IRCC Immigration Levels Plan Roundtable
On July 14, CBIE president and CEO, Larissa Bezo, participated in a roundtable discussion on advancing a sustainable immigration system as part of IRCC engagement on immigration levels.
CBIE continues to advocate for:
- the critical role that Canada’s diverse, complementary and world-class education system plays in attracting global talent to Canada;
- the need for clarity, stability and predictability for the international student program and the Post-Graduation Work Permit program;
and - coordinated immigration policies and programs to ensure Canada has the right pathways in place to attract and retain the diverse talent it needs.
The roundtable, along with the written feedback CBIE provided through the department’s survey, will help inform IRCC’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan.