Canada’s 2025 Policy Changes for International Students: What You Need to Know

Canada’s 2025 Policy Changes for International Students: Canada has long been a top choice for international students, offering world-class education and vibrant multicultural experiences. Every year, thousands of students from around the world migrate to Canada, seeking academic excellence and promising career opportunities.

However, recent changes to study permit regulations by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aim to manage the rising temporary population and alleviate economic strain. The Canadian government has set a target to reduce the temporary resident population by 5% by the end of 2026. With an estimated 5 million temporary permits set to expire by the end of 2025—including approximately 766,000 study permits by December 2025—these new policies mark a significant shift for aspiring international students.

Here we have listed down the recent changes to study permit rules so that you can be prepared for your education journey in Canada beforehand:

Cap on Student Intake

In September this year, the IRCC imposed a cap on new study permit applications.

Changes to Post Graduate Work Permit

The IRCC announced that international graduates who apply for a post-graduate work permit after November 1, 2024, should meet additional field of study requirements to be eligible for a work permit.

Student Direct Stream and NSE Stream Closed

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stopped the Student Direct Stream after November 8 and closed the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream for study permit applicants from Nigeria. Applicants must now apply for a study permit through the regular study permit stream, which has a longer processing time.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) was launched in 2018 to quicken study permit applications for international students from 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and the Philippines.

In addition to other study permit requirements, SDS stream applicants must submit language test results and proof of a Canadian Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) valued at CAD 20,635.

The processing time for SDS applications after receiving biometrics was 20 calendar days. However, depending on the countries where the application is submitted, the processing time for a regular study permit stream is usually more than 20 calendar days.

IRCC stated, ‘Canada’s goal is to strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process, as well as a positive academic experience.’

Limiting Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses of Students

Work permit eligibility for spouses of master’s degree students is restricted to those enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months. Similarly, under Canada’s work permit programs (TFWP and IMP), eligibility for spouses of foreign workers is limited to those in management, professional occupations, or sectors experiencing labour shortages.

Additionally, if your spouse or common-law partner is enrolled in a post-graduate diploma or a certificate, your spouse or common-law partner won’t be eligible for an open work permit.

Canada’s New Family Open Work Permits for Spouses of Temporary Residents

A New Study Permit is Required When Changing Institutions

IRCC recently announced that international students must apply for a new study permit when changing learning institutions. This new rule aligns with strengthening the credibility of the International Student Program.

Before this change, students could change their designated learning institutions (DLI) on the same study permit without applying for a new one. They were only required to update their IRCC account with new information.

The IRCC also stated in their press statement that DLIs that fail to submit compliance reports or verify acceptance letters will now face consequences.

International Students Can Work Up to 24 Hours Per Week

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their semester is ongoing. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this development, mentioning that these regulations took effect on November 15.

Before this new rule, international students in Canada could work only 20 hours per week when their classes were ongoing. The immigration minister also mentioned that imposing the limit of 24 hours per week enables striking the right balance between providing job opportunities to students and focusing on their studies simultaneously.

Canada’s new study permit rules for 2025 introduce key changes to improve program integrity and manage international student intake. These updates include a reduced study permit cap, revised Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, increased off-campus work hours, and the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

While these changes create new opportunities, they also come with stricter regulations. At Elaar Immigration, we help international students navigate these evolving policies.

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