Canada Implements New Immigration Measures for International Students and Work Permit Eligibility
Published on: Sept. 18, 2024
In a bid to streamline its immigration system, Canada has announced significant changes to its international student program and work permit eligibility. Immigration Minister Marc Miller highlighted the introduction of a cap on study permits and new requirements for Post Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), aiming to balance the influx of international students while ensuring the integrity of the immigration process. These measures are set to impact thousands of prospective students and workers in the coming years. Below are the key points regarding these changes.
Study Permit Cap:
For 2025, the IRCC will issue only 437,000 study permits, reflecting a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000.This change is expected to result in 300,000 fewer study permits issued over the next few years.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL):
Master’s and PhD students will now be required to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), which was previously only required for certain college and undergraduate students.Approximately 12% of the study permit allocation will be reserved for master's and doctoral students due to their contributions to the Canadian labor market.
Changes to Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility:
Starting November 1, 2024, PGWP applicants will need to demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 for university graduates and 5 for college graduates.This new requirement is anticipated to lead to 175,000 fewer PGWPs being issued over the next three years.
Spousal Work Permit Restrictions:
Spousal open work permits will now be limited to spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs that are at least 16 months in duration.Spousal work permits for Canadians or permanent residents will also be restricted to those employed in critical work sectors.
Impact on Temporary Foreign Worker Program:
With rising unemployment, the government aims to limit the number of temporary residents, reinforcing that the TFWP should be a last resort to prevent replacing Canadian workers or suppressing their wages.
Work Permit Eligibility for Prospective Students:
For prospective students applying on or after November 1, 2024, eligibility for PGWP will vary by level of study.Graduates from Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs will remain eligible for a work permit of up to three years following graduation, maintaining the pathway for these students to work in Canada.
These changes reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to managing immigration sustainably while ensuring that those who come to study and work in the country can do so within a structured framework. Further announcements regarding permanent immigration levels are expected soon.