What You Need to Know
** Bookmark this page to stay informed on the latest IRCC updates affecting international students in Canada. We’ll continuously update it as new information becomes available.
Why Canada is Changing Immigration Rules?
These updates were introduced to ensure that Canada’s International Student Program remains secure, equitable, and efficient in accommodating the growing number of applicants. As global demand rises, these changes help maintain the high standard of the student experience while ensuring Canada’s ability to support its international students.
Canada continues to be a leading destination for students worldwide, known for its top-tier education, clear pathways to permanent residency (PR), and welcoming, multicultural society. However, we recognize that these updates will have a significant impact on many current international students and those planning to study here in the future.
UPDATES
Here are the key updates for 2025
- Changes to open work permits for family members of temporary residents: Effective January 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is changing open work permit (OWP) eligibility for family members of international students and foreign workers. Only spouses of certain international students and foreign workers will be able to apply for a family OWP. Family OWPs will be limited to spouses of international students who are enrolled in:
- master’s programs that are 16 months or longer
- doctoral programs, or
- select professional and eligible programs
- Family OWPs will also be limited to spouses of foreign workers who are employed in
- TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or
- select TEER 2 or 3 occupations in sectors with labour shortages or linked to government priorities. These include occupations in the natural and applied sciences, construction, health care, natural resources, education, sports and military sectors. Please check the IRCC website for the full list which will be available on January 21, 2025.
- New International Student Program regulations
From November 15, 2024, eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session. Moving forward, international students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing learning institutions. To work off campus without a work permit, international students must be studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, or a vocational training program at the secondary level offered in Quebec that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate. International students who are eligible to work off campus may work full-time during breaks in their academic calendar, such as the summer break between school years or the winter break between semesters. Find out more about these updates from the IRCC. - Field of Study Requirement
Starting November 1, 2024, new rules will apply to some international students applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. To qualify, students must graduate from programs that prepare them for jobs in industries facing long-term worker shortages in Canada. These jobs fall under five categories: agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), trade, and transport. This ensures international graduates are ready for industries that need skilled workers. The IRCC now has a handy tool for looking up fields of study. (Canada.ca) - Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Starting January 22, 2024, most new post-secondary students will need to include a provincial attestation letter with their study permit applications. This ensures the student is accounted for within the province’s allocated number of study permits. Applications submitted before January 22, 2024, or those already approved are exempt. (Canada.ca). - Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Updates
From February 15, 2024, graduates of master’s programs (even if under two years) can qualify for a three-year PGWP, allowing them more time to gain Canadian work experience, a crucial step toward applying for permanent residency (PR). (Canada.ca). - Public-Private Partnership Colleges
Students graduating from public-private partnership college programs will no longer be eligible for a PGWP. This change aims to improve the quality of education and student support at these institutions (Canada.ca). - Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses
Eligibility for open work permits will be limited to the spouses and common-law partners of students in graduate (master’s and doctorate) and professional degree-granting programs. Spouses and common-law partners of undergraduate and college students will no longer be eligible unless they already hold an open work permit (Canada.ca). - Off-Campus Work Hours
The temporary policy allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus ended on April 30, 2024. Now students will be allowed to work up to 24 hours per week during the academic session. During scheduled academic breaks, students can continue to work unlimited hours (Canada.ca). - Study Permit Caps
For 2024, the IRCC has implemented a national cap of 552,000 study permit applications, with approximately 292,000 expected to be approved. This is a 28% reduction from 2023 for the groups included under the cap (Canada.ca). - Enhanced Verification Process
As of December 1, 2023, designated learning institutions must confirm each applicant’s letter of acceptance directly with IRCC. This measure is designed to protect students from fraud and ensure genuine letters of acceptance (Canada.ca).
Additional Reforms
Additional Reforms in 2025-2026:
- International Student Caps
Canada will reduce the number of study permits issued, aiming for 437,000 permits in 2025. Over three years, this will result in about 300,000 fewer permits.
- Attestation Letters
Master’s and doctoral students will need to provide a provincial or territorial attestation letter to qualify for study permits. 12% of permit spots will be reserved for these students.
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
New language requirements will be introduced in November 2024. University graduates must meet a Canada Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7, while college graduates need a CLB of 5. Graduates from programs at public colleges will remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to three years if they graduate from a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage. These changes will result in 175,000 fewer PGWPs over three years.
- Spousal Work Permits
Only spouses of students in doctoral or specific master’s programs will be eligible for work permits. For temporary foreign workers, work permits will be limited to spouses of highly skilled workers or those in sectors with critical labour shortages. This will lead to 150,000 fewer work permits for spouses over the next three years.
(Source: IRCC Canada)
What do the changes mean for you?
Canada’s recent immigration updates for international students come with both advantages and challenges that current and future students should know about. Here’s how these changes could impact students studying in Canada:
Positives Impacts:
- Increased Security & Fraud Protection
Enhanced verification of documents ensures only legitimate students are granted permits, protecting students from fraud. - Extended Work Opportunities
Students can now work up to 24 hours per week during the academic year, helping them earn more while studying. - Extended Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
Graduates of certain master’s programs, even those shorter than 2 years, can receive a three-year PGWP, providing more time to gain work experience and apply for PR. - Better Student Experience for International Students
Schools with high standards of student services will benefit from quicker processing times for their students.
CHALLENGE AND CHANGE
Upcoming Challenges:
- Limited Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses
Only spouses of graduate students will qualify for work permits, which could strain families financially if both partners previously worked. - Reduced Access to Public-Private Colleges
Students graduating from public-private partnership colleges will no longer be eligible for a PGWP, which could limit their ability to work in Canada after graduation. If a student is not able to work in Canada, then this also has implications for any PR application they would wish to submit. - Tighter Caps on Study Permits
Canada will cap the number of study permits issued, starting in 2024. This reduced intake may make it more competitive for prospective students to enter Canadian institutions, potentially delaying or limiting opportunities for new student - Higher Language and Financial Requirements
New language proficiency standards for PGWP applicants and updated cost-of-living requirements may increase the difficulty of meeting study or immigration eligibility criteria, adding financial and academic pressures for some students.
Overall, these changes create a balance of more work opportunities and stronger protections, but they also introduce new restrictions on work permits for spouses and fewer study permit approvals. International students and their families will need to carefully navigate these updates to make the most of their educational and professional opportunities in Canada. Just know you also have our Northfield & Associates team here to support you in understanding these changes and advising you on the best next steps for your goals in Canada.
What Northfield & Associates does for you
Our approach to supporting students remains unchanged. For years, Northfield & Associates has been dedicated to helping students find the best educational institutions that align with their education and career goals. With the new immigration updates, our commitment to your success is stronger than ever. We offer personalized counselling to match you with top schools, guide you through the application process, and ensure you’re fully prepared for your continued studies and future in Canada. From study permits and scholarships to immigration advice through our consultant, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU!
Let Northfield & Associates guide you through these changes!
For more detailed information, you can visit the official IRCC pages:
- Additional information about International Student Program reforms. Learn more
- Canada to introduce new rules around off-campus work hours. Learn more
- Minister Miller’s statement on international student allocations. Learn more
- Strengthening temporary residence programs for sustainable volumes – Canada.ca. Learn more
Book a call with a Consultation
Join the community of Northfield & Associates
Connect with peers and community ambassadors to hear real experiences, tips, and advice about studying abroad.
Explore Northfield & Associates community
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.
We serve our clients in English, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Mandarin and Cantonese, especially in Asian clients.
- If you or anybody that you know, think that you meet the requirements and wish to receive further information.
- We can help you start the application process and confirm eligibility requirements to participate.
- We Offer Consultations & Meetings by Phone & Virtually. Affordable Fees.
Book a Consultation Today
Contact Northfield & Associates today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Consultant.
Book a call with a Consultation
About Northfield
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.
Working hand-in-hand with our clients, we are accelerating progress toward a future that is not only more sustainable but also inclusive and prosperous for all, both locally in Cambodia and Canada, as well as internationally.
Our Firm
Structured as a unified global partnership, Northfield & Associates operates with a shared set of values across our offices in Cambodia, Canada, and globally. We are committed to attracting and nurturing a diverse, talented workforce while driving long-term change for our clients worldwide. As a sector-focused, international consulting firm, we understand that consultancy is not just about strategies, it’s about people. The best outcomes arise from close relationships built on trust, collaboration, and shared goals.
The role of consultants has evolved. Today, businesses in Cambodia, Canada, and internationally seek not just expertise but partners who anticipate challenges, create positive experiences, and align with their values. We embrace these evolving expectations, proactively addressing challenges and investing in both results and the journey to reach them.
Why us?
We believe in the power of relationships to deliver tangible business results. We collaborate openly with our colleagues and clients are working across office, service and sector boundaries to bring you the best of our firm, wherever you need us to be.
Who we are
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.
We know our clients want consultancy advisers by their side, anticipating what’s ahead and creating positive experiences for their teams. They want to work with others who share their values and do business responsibly.
We take on the new realities of business in a positive and proactive way, invest in the result, and care about how we get there.
Northfield & Associates:
Where chemistry creates opportunity;
- Partner consulting and legal professionals around the world
- Committed to the communities we serve, including through volunteerism and fundraising initiatives.
- A great place to work built upon an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity.
- Routinely recognised by the world’s top consultancy rankings organisations, including Chambers.
- Focused on key global sectors, including energy, financial services, life sciences, natural resources, infrastructure, real estate and tech.
Our values
Our values guide everything that we do:
- The power of teamwork:
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:
We are always striving to improve our service to clients and the way we run our own business – ambitious to improve in a highly competitive market. - We all bring something different:
We all bring different backgrounds, strengths and perspectives to the team. This diversity and openness make us more relevant and valuable to our clients.
Responsible business
We believe that every business has a responsibility to its communities and the environment, as well as its people and clients.
- Great place to work
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
Fostering a truly equitable and inclusive culture – one that celebrates difference and encourages everyone to be their true self – requires work and engagement at every level. Our diversity, equity and inclusion strategies encompass a number of key areas. - Sustainable business
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
We believe in supporting the communities we serve and giving back to those most in need. Across our global offices, we volunteer with, fundraise for and provide pro bono legal advice to a number of local charities and non-profit organisations engaged in important and impactful work. - Our structure
Around the world, our member firms operate and provide legal services to clients as separate legal entities under the common brand of Northfield & Associates. Our structure is explained in more detail on our Legal Information page.
Forward-Looking Information:
This news release contains forward-looking information. All statements, other than statements of historic fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future constitute forward-looking information.
This forward-looking information reflects the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company.
Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: the failure to finalize negotiations concerning the increase of the Loan or to close such transaction and the failure of the Company to complete the acquisition of the Company Facility; operating performance of facilities; environmental and safety risks; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; unavailability of plant, equipment or labour; inability to retain key management and personnel; changes to regulations or policies affecting the Company’s activities; and the other risks disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s amended annual information.
Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
Questions?
info@northfied.biz
Within Corporate Newsroom
Media Contact:
media@northfied.biz
Press contact
PR consultants
press@northfied.biz
NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Information made available on this website in any form is for information purposes only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. You should not rely on, or take or fail to take any action based upon this information. Never disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking legal advice because of something you have read on this website. Northfield & Associates professionals will be pleased to discuss resolutions to specific legal concerns you may have.