Canada’s New Immigration Policies: What International Students Need to Know
In a series of groundbreaking announcements, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has introduced significant changes to the country’s immigration system that will reshape the future for international students and temporary residents. From capping study permits to tightening Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, the Canadian government is making major adjustments to ensure the sustainability and integrity of its immigration programs.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the key changes and their impact on international students, temporary workers, and the Canadian labor market.
New PGWP Requirements: Language Proficiency is Key
Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility are another major shift. From November 2024, PGWP applicants will be required to meet stricter language proficiency standards. University graduates must now demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7, while college graduates will need a CLB score of 5.
This new requirement is expected to result in 175,000 fewer PGWPs being issued over the next three years. The intention behind this move is to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for Canada’s job market and can successfully integrate into the workforce.
Study Permit Cap: Limiting International Student Intake
One of the most impactful announcements is the introduction of a cap on the number of study permits issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Starting in 2025, only 437,000 study permits will be granted, a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000. The cap is designed to stabilize the intake through 2026, resulting in approximately 300,000 fewer study permits being issued over the next few years.
The cap will now also include master’s and doctoral students, who were previously exempt. To ensure the authenticity of applications, these students will need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) before their study permit can be approved. The government plans to reserve 12% of the total allocation for these students due to their high contribution to the labor market.
Spousal Open Work Permit Restrictions
Spouses of international students have also been affected by these changes. Starting later this year, only the spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs lasting 16 months or more will be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit. This policy change will reduce the number of spousal work permits issued by 50,000 over the next three years.
Additionally, the government has introduced restrictions on Spousal Open Work Permits for non-student applicants. These permits will only be available to spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents working in critical sectors, further tightening eligibility.
Impact on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Canada’s unemployment rate has been rising since April 2023, prompting the government to reevaluate the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). As of August 2024, the unemployment rate had reached 6.6%, with 1.5 million Canadians unemployed. In response, the government is scaling back the volume of temporary residents on work permits.
Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault echoed Immigration Minister Miller’s remarks, emphasizing that the TFWP should be a last resort for filling labor gaps and should not replace Canadian workers or suppress wages. Despite these cuts, Boissonnault noted that immigration remains a cornerstone of Canada’s economic growth, which is expected to rely entirely on immigrants by 2032.
Broader Changes to Temporary and Permanent Resident Levels
The changes to the immigration system extend beyond just international students. In January, Canada introduced a temporary cap on study permits, which will be in effect until the end of 2025. This policy allows each provincial government to control the number of study permits issued within their jurisdiction.
Other steps taken by the government to reduce temporary resident levels include:
- Ending the COVID-era policy that allowed visitors to apply for a work permit from inside Canada.
- Pausing Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the low-wage stream of the TFWP for jobs in regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher.
- Linking the issuance of PGWPs to educational programs that align with in-demand sectors of the Canadian economy.
Looking Ahead: Permanent Immigration Levels Under Review
Minister Miller has hinted at forthcoming changes to permanent immigration levels, suggesting that adjustments will be significant rather than cosmetic. While the government is cautious not to “overcorrect,” it is clear that the focus will be on ensuring long-term sustainability in Canada’s immigration system.
Conclusion: A New Era for International Students
Canada’s immigration landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. With stricter requirements for study permits, work permits, and language proficiency, international students must now navigate a more complex system. For those planning to study or work in Canada, these changes highlight the importance of understanding the evolving policies and ensuring that their applications meet the new criteria.
At Global Visa Mentor, we’re here to guide you through these challenging times, providing expert advice and support to help you achieve your academic and career goals in Canada. Stay informed and prepare for success with GVM by your side.