In a significant development for international students, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a reduction in study permits for the upcoming years. Starting in 2025, the study permit cap will be set at 437,000, a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000. This marks a substantial shift in the country’s immigration policies, with an estimated 300,000 fewer study permits to be issued over the next few years.

Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration Minister, stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, stating that not all who wish to come to Canada will be granted access. This move is part of a broader effort to manage the growing number of temporary residents, especially international students.

Key Announcements in the IRCC's Latest Policy Updates

Study Permit Cap Implementation

  1. IRCC will issue only 437,000 study permits in 2025.
  2. Reduction of 10% from the 2024 target (485,000 permits).
  3. Cap to stabilize for 2026, with a focus on quality over quantity.

Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL) for Graduate Students

  1. Master's and PhD students are no longer exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement.
  2. Around 12% of study permits will be reserved for graduate-level students, recognizing their importance to the Canadian labor market.

Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility

  1. University graduates will now need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7.
  2. College graduates will require a CLB score of 5 to apply for PGWP after November 1, 2024.
  3. Expected to result in 175,000 fewer PGWPs being issued over the next three years.

Restrictions on Spousal Open Work Permits

  1. Only spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs of at least 16 months will be eligible for Spousal Open Work Permits.
  2. 50,000 fewer spousal work permits are expected to be issued within three years.

Policy Change Details Impact
Study Permit Cap 437,000 permits for 2025 (10% reduction) 300,000 fewer study permits issued over the next few years.
PAL for Master’s and PhD students PAL now required for graduate students 12% of permits are reserved for Master’s and PhD students.
PGWP Eligibility CLB score of 7 for university graduates, 5 for college 175,000 fewer PGWPs issued over the next three years.
Spousal Open Work Permits Limited to spouses of students in programs of 16+ months 50,000 fewer permits issued over the next three years.

Impact on Canada’s Workforce and Temporary Foreign Workers

Alongside the changes in the international student program, Canada’s unemployment rate continues to rise, reaching 6.6% in August 2024. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is also under scrutiny, with Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault stressing that TFWP should be a last-resort measure, meant to support the Canadian workforce without suppressing local wages.

Here are some additional measures the IRCC has introduced to limit temporary residents:

  1. End of the COVID-era policy that allowed visitors to apply for job-supported work permits within Canada.
  2. Pausing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage streams in areas with high unemployment.
  3. Consideration of major changes to PGWP eligibility based on programs aligned with Canada's labor market needs.

Further Changes to Canada’s Immigration System

The introduction of the study permit cap in early 2024 was the first step in Canada’s efforts to manage the number of temporary residents. This was followed by further restrictions on PGWP eligibility and Spousal Work Permits, limiting work permits to spouses of master’s and PhD students.

In March 2024, Minister Miller announced that for the first time, Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan (2025-2027) would include a cap on temporary resident levels. This plan aims to reduce the number of temporary residents, such as those on study or work permits, ensuring the system remains sustainable.

How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help?

Navigating Canada’s changing immigration landscape can be challenging, but that’s where Visa Solutions 4u comes in. Whether you’re applying for a study permit, PGWP, or spousal work permit, we offer expert guidance to help you through the process. Here’s how we assist:

  1. Expert Consultation:

    2. Get personalized advice on study permit applications and PGWP eligibility based on the latest regulations.

  2. Document Preparation:

    3. We help you gather and submit the correct documents, ensuring no delays in your application process.

  3. Post-Approval Support:

    4. From arrival to settling in Canada, our team offers post-visa assistance to ensure a smooth transition.

Contact Visa Solutions 4u for a free consultation and get started on your journey to Canada today!