Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, made an announcement on 18th September 2024 that there would be some major updates to the international student program that will impact the granting of study permits and the criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Here’s an overview of these new regulations and what they mean for prospective students and their families.
New Study Permit Cap
The IRCC is planning to issue a maximum of 437,000 study permits in 2025, which is 10%
fewer than the 485,000 objective set for 2024. It is anticipated that over the following 5
years, 300,000 fewer study permits will be granted as a result of this move, which attempts
to stabilize the inflow of international students. Minister Miller emphasized the need for a
sustainable immigration system, stating, “Not everyone who wants to come to Canada will
be able to.”
Changes to Provincial Attestation Letters (PAL)
Another significant modification is that, like many college and undergraduate programs,
master’s and PhD candidates will now need to get a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
Because of their contributions to the Canadian labor market, these advanced degree
students will get around 12% of the overall funding.
Updated PGWP Eligibility Criteria
Significant modifications to the PGWP eligibility requirements are also on the horizon.
Starting November 1, applicants will need to demonstrate specific Canadian Language
Benchmark (CLB) scores: a CLB of 7 for university graduates and a CLB of 5 for college
graduates. This change is anticipated to result in 175,000 fewer PGWPs issued over the
next three years.
Limits on Spousal Open Work Permits
The IRCC will also tighten the eligibility criteria for spousal work permits. Candidates will
have to provide certain Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores as of November 1st: a
CLB of 5 for college graduates and a CLB of 7 for university graduates. Over the following
three years, this modification is expected to result in 175,000 fewer PGWPs being granted.
Impacts on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
With Canada’s unemployment rate rising, the government is taking measures to manage the
number of temporary residents on work permits. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program
(TFWP) should not be utilized to replace Canadian workers; instead, Minister Randy
Boissonnault stated that it should be used as a last choice. Significantly, immigration
accounts for 99% of Canada’s economic growth, underscoring the vital role that
immigrants play in the country’s economy.
Recent Changes in Immigration Policy
These updates are part of broader reforms in Canada’s immigration system, which include:
● The introduction of the first-ever cap on study permits earlier this year.
● Restrictions on PGWP eligibility for college programs with certain licensing
agreements.
● Adjustments to the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in
regions with high unemployment rates.
Minister Miller has also indicated openness to significant changes in permanent immigration
levels, signaling that further adjustments may be on the way.
Conclusion
The environment in Canada for overseas students will change as a result of these recent
announcements. It is important for potential candidates to be aware of these developments
and make appropriate preparations. It will be essential for you to navigate your academic
and career path in Canada to comprehend these new restrictions, regardless of whether you
are thinking about getting a study permit or want to apply for a PGWP. To guarantee a
seamless application procedure, speaking with immigration specialists is advised for further
advice.
