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TTC pass sales plunge as international student numbers fall in Toronto

A decline in international student numbers in Toronto is reportedly affecting TTC pass sales. The city's operating variance report for the four months ending April 30, 2026, notes lower-than-anticipated transit revenue, partly due to a 50 per cent decline in post-secondary pass sales. This decline is linked to changes in federal policies governing study permits.

The federal government introduced changes to study permit rules in 2024, aiming to slow the growth of Canada's temporary resident population. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the number of study permit holders decreased from over one million in January 2024 to approximately 725,000 by last September. It is expected that roughly 408,000 study permits will be issued throughout 2026.

The expected issuance of study permits includes 155,000 to newly arriving international students and 253,000 extensions for current and returning students. Up to 180,000 study permits are expected to be issued to students who require a provincial or territorial attestation letter, including 70,074 in Ontario. The federal government notes that this number is lower than the issuance targets in previous years.

For international students planning to study in Canada, it is essential to understand the current study permit rules and how they may impact their plans. The decline in international student numbers may have various effects on cities like Toronto, including reduced transit revenue.

International students and those interested in studying in Canada can visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for the most up-to-date information on study permits and related policies. As the situation develops, it is crucial to rely on verified sources for information on study permit rules and their impact on international students in Canada.

Readers should note that the information available is limited, and it is recommended to consult the official government website for the most accurate and detailed information on this topic.

Original reporting: blogTO

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 21, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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