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
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