As of 2024, the Canadian government has been taking significant measures to strengthen the integrity of its international student program. In response to increasing concerns about the sustainability and transparency of the system, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a temporary cap on study permits earlier this year. This cap aims to regulate foreign enrollment numbers, ensuring that international students have access to quality facilities during their studies.
On September 18, 2024, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced additional changes that will greatly affect prospective international students planning to study in Canada.
Key Changes Affecting International Students in 2025 and Beyond
- New Study Permit Cap for 2025-2026 with a 10% Reduction In 2025 and 2026, the Canadian government will impose a further cap on the number of study permits issued. In 2024, around 485,000 study permits were granted, but the new annual target will be 437,000, marking a 10% reduction compared to 2024. Importantly, this cap will now include both Master’s and PhD students. International students aspiring to pursue these degrees will be required to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their study permit applications. This measure aims to align enrollment figures with the country’s capacity to support international students while upholding educational standards.
- Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) There will be notable adjustments to PGWP eligibility. Currently, international students can qualify for a PGWP of up to three years. However, upcoming changes will alter the criteria for public college graduates. Only those graduates from public college programs whose studies are aligned with areas experiencing significant labor market demand will be eligible for the full three-year PGWP. Fortunately, the duration for university graduates will remain unchanged.
- New Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP To enhance employability and facilitate pathways to permanent residency, Canada will introduce mandatory language proficiency requirements for the PGWP program. Later this year, all PGWP applicants will need to demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in English or French. University graduates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7, while college graduates will need a CLB score of 5 to qualify for a post raduation work permit. These changes are designed to better equip international graduates for integration into the Canadian job market.
- Revised Work Permit Rules for Spouses of Master’s Students A significant update relates to work permits for the spouses of international students. Under the new regulations, spouses of students pursuing a Master’s degree in Canada will only qualify for an open work permit if the student’s program lasts a minimum of 16 months.
These recent updates from the IRCC aim to refine the rules and eligibility for international students, ensuring they achieve academic success and are well-prepared for life in Canada after graduation.
For international recruiters, it’s essential to keep students informed about these changes to ensure they are adequately prepared for the 2025 intake and beyond. Let’s collaborate to help students secure brighter futures worldwide!