Study Permit Capped, PGWP New Rules

In a move that’s set to reshape Canada’s international education landscape, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced sweeping changes to the country’s study permit and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) programs. The message is clear: Canada is pumping the brakes on its booming international student sector.

Study Permit Cap: The New Normal

Minister Miller emphasized that “the international student cap is here to stay,” indicating a long-term policy direction. Key points of the announcement include:

• The number of study permits to be issued in 2025 will be limited to 437,000, marking a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000.
• IRCC projects that these changes will result in approximately 300,000 fewer study permits being issued over the next few years.

This 10% reduction isn’t just a temporary measure—it’s the new status quo, with the cap set to stabilize at 2025 levels for 2026 and beyond.

IRCC to Update PGWP Program This Fall

Significant changes have been introduced to the PGWP program:

1. New language proficiency requirements have been established: University graduates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7, while college graduates need to attain a CLB score of 5.
2. These new criteria are anticipated to lead to a reduction of 175,000 PGWPs issued over the next three years.

No More Free Passes for Graduate Students

Master’s and doctoral students, previously exempt from certain limitations, will now face additional requirements:

• They’ll need to secure a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), just like their undergraduate peers
• To accommodate this change, IRCC has allocated approximately 12% of study permit spaces specifically for graduate-level students.

Spousal Work Permits Limitations

The eligibility criteria for spousal work permits have been tightened:

• Work permit eligibility will be restricted to spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months.
• This measure is expected to result in 50,000 fewer spousal work permits being issued over a three-year period.

Broader Economic Context

These policy changes are being implemented against the backdrop of Canada’s current economic situation:

• The national unemployment rate has risen to 6.6% as of August 2024, with 1.5 million Canadians currently unemployed.
• Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault emphasized that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program should be utilized as a last resort, prioritizing opportunities for Canadian workers.

Future Outlook

Minister Miller has indicated that these changes may be part of a broader strategy to manage Canada’s immigration system. He has hinted at potential “significant” adjustments to permanent immigration levels in the near future, suggesting further evolution of Canada’s immigration policies.

These measures collectively represent a substantial shift in Canada’s approach to temporary residency and international education. They aim to balance the country’s economic needs, community capacity, and the long-term success of newcomers while maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.

Need Help?

Navigating Canada’s evolving immigration landscape can be complex, especially in light of these recent changes. ELAAR Immigration Consultancy offers expert assistance to help you understand and adapt to these new regulations.

Our team, led by Keshav Sharma, a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), specializes in cases affected by these policy shifts. We can provide valuable guidance on:

• Assessing your eligibility under the new criteria
• Preparing a strong application that meets updated requirements
• Understanding the implications of these changes for both students and their spouses
• Exploring alternative pathways to study, work, and live in Canada

Contact our experts today to ensure your immigration journey aligns with the latest regulations and maximizes your chances of success.