Canadian Government Announces Major Changes to International Student Cap and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Rights
The Canadian government has introduced significant updates to its immigration and education policies that will impact international students, including a cap on study permits and revisions to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. These changes aim to align the international student intake with Canada’s immigration goals and labour market needs. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest announcements.
Reduction in International Student Intake for 2025
To better manage the growing number of international students and ensure Canada’s immigration system functions effectively, the government will reduce the intake cap for study permits by 10% for 2025. The target for 2024 was set at 485,000 new study permits, but in 2025, this will decrease to 437,000 permits. The government plans to stabilize this intake cap for 2026, keeping the number of issued study permits at the 2025 level.
- Key Fact: In 2025, only 437,000 study permits will be issued, 10% less than in 2024.
Updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program
Canada’s PGWP program, a major draw for international students, is also undergoing critical changes to better meet labour market demands and immigration goals. Here’s a breakdown of the updates:
- Occupation-Specific Eligibility: Graduates of public colleges will continue to be eligible for a PGWP of up to three years if their field of study is linked to occupations experiencing long-term shortages in Canada.
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Starting November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants will need to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency.
- University graduates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7.
- College graduates must meet CLB level 5.
These requirements are designed to help graduates integrate better into the workforce and increase their chances of transitioning to permanent residency.
New Limitations for Spouses:
- Starting later this year, the work permit eligibility for spouses of master’s degree students will be restricted to those whose programs are at least 16 months long.
- Additionally, work permit eligibility for spouses of foreign workers will be limited to those in management or professional occupations or in sectors experiencing labour shortages.
Special Provisions for Master’s and Doctoral Students
The Canadian government has recognized the critical contributions of master’s and doctoral students to the labour market. From 2025 onward, these students will need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter to secure a study permit. In addition, approximately 12% of allocation spaces will be reserved for these students under the study permit intake cap.
Key Fact: Canada is reserving 12% of its study permit allocations for master’s and doctoral students due to the long-term benefits they bring to the economy.
Why These Changes Matter
These updates are part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to balance the benefits of international students while ensuring that the influx aligns with the country’s economic and immigration goals. By targeting specific sectors and improving language proficiency, Canada aims to attract and retain talent that is better suited to meet its labour market needs and promote long-term growth.
For students planning to study in Canada, it’s important to be aware of these changes and how they could affect your study plans, visa applications, and work opportunities post-graduation. The earlier you apply, the better positioned you’ll be to benefit from the PGWP and contribute to Canada’s dynamic labour market.
Conclusion
As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, international students should take note of these changes, particularly the reduction in study permits and new PGWP requirements. These reforms underscore the importance of aligning educational pathways with labour market needs. If you’re considering studying in Canada, now is the time to plan ahead and understand how these updates may impact your future in the country.