On September 18, 2024, the Canadian government revealed significant updates to its International Student Program. These changes aim to address labour market shifts, support the economy, and tighten the criteria for foreign workers and students. The updates cover study permit caps, PGWP eligibility, and stricter work permit rules for spouses.
Study Permit Cap for 2025-2026
Canada will reduce the number of study permits issued by 10% in 2025, capping the intake at 437,000 permits—down from 485,000 in 2024. This cap will remain stable in 2026.
Notable points:
- Around 12% of the 437,000 spots will be reserved for master’s and PhD students.
- K-12 students will be exempt from the cap.
- Master’s and PhD students will need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter.
Cost-of-Living Requirement
Beginning January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants was updated stating that a single applicant will need to show they have $20,635, representing 75% of LICO, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. This adjustment reflects the true cost of living in Canada and aims to protect students from financial vulnerability and exploitation.
PGWP Program Changes for 2025
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) allows international graduates from Canadian institutions to gain work experience in Canada. However, the government is introducing new rules to better align the program with labour market demands.
What Will Change:
Before November 1, 2024:
- Current eligibility rules apply, meaning students are not subject to any new PGWP language proficiency or field of study requirements.
After November 1, 2024:
- Language proficiency will be mandatory for all PGWP applicants. Test results must be less than two years old.
- University graduates: CLB 7 or higher in English/French.
- College graduates: CLB 5 or higher in English/French.
- Refer to the below table for a better understanding:
IELTS General Training – Test Score Equivalency chart
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
- PGWP eligibility will be limited to graduates from fields related to long-term labour shortages, such as:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Trades and Transport
- You can check for your course using the CIP Code on the official website.
- Graduates from non-master’s programs will receive a PGWP proportional to their study length (you are not eligible for PGWP if your program is shorter than 8 months).
- Example: A 10-month program graduate would receive a PGWP valid for up to 10 months.
- If the program is longer than 2 years you get a 3 years PGWP.
- For the Master’s Program (doesn’t apply to certifications of diploma program) you are eligible only if your program is more atleast 8 months long and fulfills the other required criteria for a PGWP.
Changes to Spousal Work Permits:
- Partners of master’s students in programs that last 16 months or longer will still be eligible for work permits.
- For other graduates, work permits for spouses will only be available if the graduate works in management, professional occupations, or sectors facing labour shortages (e.g., construction, healthcare).
Quotes from Government Officials
Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, emphasized that Canada’s immigration system must be sustainable and well-managed. “Not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to. We’re strengthening our programs to meet the changing demands of today’s landscape.”
Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, added, “The changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will prioritize Canadian workers, ensuring the program meets our economic needs.”
Final Thoughts
These updates reflect Canada’s efforts to balance its need for temporary residents while preserving opportunities for Canadians. International students should prepare for these changes, especially regarding PGWP eligibility and spousal work permits.
Stay tuned for more updates as policies evolve!
This post was last updated on October 4, 2024. For official guidance, visit the IRCC website or consult a registered immigration consultant.
Leave a Reply