Canada ends fast-track study permit processing:

The decision of Canada to discontinue its expedited study permit processing is anticipated to have a substantial effect on the number of international students enrolled. This modification is part of a larger adjustment in Canadian immigration laws that also includes stricter financial conditions for applicants and a cap on new study permits.

Canada intends to grant 364,000 permits in 2024, which is a significant decrease from prior years. According to projections, approvals could decline by almost 50% from 2023 levels to levels comparable to those observed in 2018 and 2019. Additionally, the approval rate for study visas has dropped from 58% to 51%, raising worries for both Canadian schools and international students. Permit approvals in British Columbia and Ontario, two popular provinces for learning abroad, are already down 49% and 70%, respectively. Experts caution that this change in policy could slow Canada's economic growth in addition to lowering the number of students. The substantial economic contribution of overseas students is demonstrated by their $30.9 billion economic contribution in 2022. These new regulations would cause overseas students to think about studying elsewhere, which would hurt Canada's standing as a top worldwide educational destination.