More changes and restrictions to international students in Canada
September 2024
In a recent press release, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Miller outlined significant updates to Canada’s immigration and temporary residency programs, with a particular focus on international students and work permits. These changes, set to take effect starting November 1, 2024, represent a major shift in how Canada manages its immigration policies, temporary residency, and pathways to permanent residency.
1. Reduced Permit Quotas for 2025 and 2026
Beginning in 2025, IRCC will reduce the number of permits issued annually. In both 2025 and 2026, 437,000 permits will be issued, marking a 36% decrease compared to the number issued in 2023. This adjustment is in response to the increasing number of temporary residents in Canada and is aimed at managing immigration levels more effectively.
2. Cap on International Students and Inclusion of Postgraduate Students in Targets
A significant policy shift is the introduction of a cap on international students, a move that is “here to stay,” according to Minister Fraser. Starting in 2025, master’s and doctoral students, along with other postgraduate applicants, will be included in the overall immigration cap.
This cap marks a new direction for Canada, aiming to control the inflow of international students and ensure that the system is better aligned with labor market needs. Going forward, IRCC will set an annual target for international students as part of their overall levels planning.
3. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes
As of November 1, 2024, new language proficiency requirements will be enforced for those applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Applicants from college programs will need to demonstrate Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5,
- University graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) will need CLB 7.
Furthermore, post-graduation work permit eligibility will now depend on the applicant’s level of study. Only graduates from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs will remain eligible for a work permit of up to three years, given their ability to transfer knowledge and adapt to Canada’s economic demands.
However, graduates from public college programs will only be eligible for a work permit if their field of study aligns with labor market shortages in Canada. This is part of Canada’s broader strategy to target high-demand sectors, ensuring the country benefits from specialized talent. Hence, your choice of program must truly align with the long term job shortages in Canada. If you're wondering about the jobs that could be your bridge to a successful move to Canada, checkout this website Questjobs.online. This portal is designed to those who are loooking to search and apply for designated jobs in Canada.
4. Future Restrictions on Spousal Open Work Permits
Minister Fraser also signaled that spousal open work permit rules will become stricter in the near future. Under current regulations, spouses of students in post-secondary and diploma programs are eligible for an open work permit when the student finishes their program and receives a PGWP.
However, moving forward, IRCC plans to limit spousal work permit eligibility to spouses of only highly skilled or specialized workers, such as C-suite executives, scientists, engineers, lawyers, and professors. Spouses of workers in sectors facing key labor shortages—like healthcare and construction—will continue to be eligible for work permits. For other sectors, spouses might only be able to join once the principal applicant has obtained permanent residency (PR), significantly changing the landscape for international students and their families.
