The IELTS strategy for your Canadian student visa: do the new rules apply to you?
Picture yourself standing on the vibrant campus of a world-renowned Canadian university, engaging in lively discussions with esteemed professors and course mates of diverse backgrounds, in a welcoming environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. This could be realised if you’ve set your sights on studying in the Great White North, with an IELTS score in hand.
However, international student hopefuls cannot ignore the new landscape of visa policy and changed requirements, after Canada has announced Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
The new rules and updates introduced to the immigration processes for international students are essential to understand for anyone hoping to study in Canada. Whether you’re looking to study in Ontario or study in Victoria, see how the latest student visa news might impact your plans, and how a strong IELTS score can pave the way for achieving a Canadian study permit and more!
Understanding the 2025 Canada student visa news
Here are the must-know updates for international students as announced by the IRCC:
1. Revised foreign enrolment numbers
One significant change under the new rules in Canada for international students is the reduction in the number of study permits being issued for 2025 and 2026. For 2025, there will be a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000 new study permits issued, bringing the total number of study permits issued to 437,000. The intake cap will then stabilise for 2026 for number of study permits issued to remain the same as in 2025.
This international student cap means greater competition for study permits, but it also signals that the Canadian government is prioritising well-prepared and qualified international students, aiming to ensure that those who are granted a study permit are set up for success in their studies, with possible work pathways to explore in Canada.
2. Enhanced PGWP requirements
Another important update is the new language proficiency requirement updated by the IRCC for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, which varies depending on your educational level.
- For university students graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD: You must score a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or an IELTS band score of 6.0 in the Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking sections of IELTS General Training. For French, you’ll require Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in all 4 language areas.
- For graduates from any other university program: You must score a minimum level of CLB 7 in English or a band score of 6.0 in the Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking segments of the IELTS General Training. For French, you’ll need NCLC 7 in all 4 language areas.
- For graduates from a college program or any other program: You need a minimum of CLB 5 in English or IELTS band scores of 4.0 in Reading and 5.0 in Writing, Listening, and Speaking for IELTS General Training. To prove French language skills instead, you’ll need NCLC 5 in all 4 language areas.
These new rules ensure that graduates have the necessary language skills to thrive in the Canadian workforce and contribute meaningfully to the economy. This is particularly important for international students looking to study in Canada with the goal of working after graduation, as a strong command of English or French is crucial for securing employment and building a successful career in the country.
Furthermore, as of December 17, 2024, there are new eligible fields of study for PGWPs. In addition to the previous eligible fields, which included agriculture and agri-food, education, healthcare, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), trade, and transport, PGWP eligibility now extends to certain programs related to early childhood education and developmental service workers.
3. New student regulations
The IRCC has also introduced new rules to improve the overall student experience and maintain the integrity of study programs within the country, such as an increase in the working hours for international students in Canada.
International students can work off campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. This provides greater flexibility and opportunities to gain valuable local work experience or even support future visa applications post-study.
Additionally, stricter reporting requirements for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) have been implemented, particularly at the post-secondary level, to ensure greater transparency and accountability within the study permit system.
4. Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) requirements
There are also new rules in Canada for international students: a mandatory requirement for most study permit applicants entering post-secondary education to provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), including master’s, doctoral students and those applying for prerequisite courses or programs, including language courses. There are some exceptions to this requirement.
This change provides a clear pathway for students to demonstrate their eligibility and secure their study permit, ensuring that they meet the specific requirements of their chosen province or territory.
You may check the latest guidelines on the official Canadian immigration website or consult with an Northfield & Associatescounsellor for personalised support on making an application.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Readers should seek tailored legal advice in relation to their personal circumstances.
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At Northfield & Associates, we are committed to accelerating sustainable and inclusive growth. Our clients in Cambodia, Canada, and around the world are trailblazers, constantly testing boundaries, challenging norms, and striving for transformative change. We collaborate with visionary leaders globally to identify strategies that will shape the future. By leveraging innovation, we help our clients achieve net-zero targets, drive technological transformation, and build the capabilities necessary for sustainable success.
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We are a cohesive global partnership committed to delivering lasting, meaningful change in Cambodia, Canada, and around the world. Our foundation is built on values and a collective mission: helping clients achieve success while creating an environment where exceptional talent thrives.
Northfield & Associates is a multinational sector-focused, global consulting firm that believes that consultancy matters are people matters and it takes closer relationships between people and teams to get to the best results, in the right way.
It used to be that good lawyer was mostly about knowing the law and delivering sound opinions. Today, businesses need more and demand more.
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We believe we can achieve much more if we work together as a team with our clients and colleagues – however talented we are as individuals. We collaborate seamlessly across services, sectors and offices – focused on the greater good for the client and the firm. - Always striving to be better:
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We all bring different backgrounds, strengths and perspectives to the team. This diversity and openness make us more relevant and valuable to our clients.
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We’re proud to be recognised as a top employer, and actively encourage DE&I. This means we attract the best talent, as well as great clients. Our clients know that strong values combined with motivated and engaged consultants and lawyers results in teams that approach problems with creativity and ingenuity. - Diversity, equity and inclusion
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We recognise our operations, services and offices have an environmental impact. On an ongoing basis, around the world, we work to mitigate these impacts through a number of targeted environmental initiatives. - Giving back to our communities
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