January 1st, 2025 at 01:45 am

Major Changes for International Students & PGWP in Canada | Canada Immigration

In 2024, Canada implemented significant changes to its international student program. These changes reflect the government’s goal to reduce the number of temporary residents. Here, we detail the most important updates affecting international students and Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs).

Updated Eligibility Criteria for PGWPs

Starting May 15, 2024, international students enrolled in programs linked to curriculum licensing agreements will no longer qualify for PGWPs. These agreements allow private colleges to offer programs associated with public institutions. This shift affects many students planning to transition to work permits after graduation.

However, there’s good news for master’s degree graduates. They will now be eligible for a three-year PGWP, even if their programs last less than two years. Effective February 15, 2024, this update provides students with increased opportunities to gain valuable work experience.

Language and Field of Study Requirements

Beginning November 1, 2024, PGWP applicants must present a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 for university graduates and a CLB score of 5 for college graduates. Additionally, students must graduate from fields linked to occupations experiencing long-term shortages to qualify for PGWPs. This rule does not apply to university bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral graduates.

Eligible fields include Agriculture, Healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Trade, and Transport. Students who applied for study permits before November 1, 2024, are exempt from this requirement.

Increased Cost of Living Requirement

Effective January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants doubled. A single applicant must now demonstrate access to $20,635 and cover their first-year tuition and travel costs. This change impacts all study permit applications submitted after this date.

Closure of Special Programs

On November 8, 2024, Canada closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE). These programs were designed to expedite study permit applications for international students. With their closure, processing times for study permits may lengthen, especially for applicants from countries previously included in these programs.

Caps on Study Permit Applications

The government announced an intake cap of approximately 360,000 approved new study permits for 2024, marking a 35% decrease from 2023. Immigration Minister Marc Miller noted that the target for approved permits in 2025 will be 437,000. This cap aims to manage the number of international students in Canada more effectively.

Stricter Rules for Study Permits

As part of the new regulations, all study permit applications must now include Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs). These letters confirm that applicants have credible admissions. Certain exemptions apply, including for primary and secondary school students, and master’s or doctoral candidates.

Changes in School Transfer Regulations

International students must now apply for a new study permit if they wish to change schools. Previously, students could transfer on their existing permits. However, under the new rules, students must adhere to this process to maintain their status.

Adjustments to Work Hours

The temporary pandemic measure allowing international students to work unlimited hours has ended. Starting November 15, 2024, students can work 24 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session. This change offers some relief but still maintains a limit on working hours.

New Regulations for Spousal Open Work Permits

As of March 19, 2024, only spouses of master’s and doctoral program students qualify for open work permits. This shift excludes spouses of undergraduate students, with specific exceptions for certain professional degree programs.

These changes to the international student program reflect Canada’s evolving immigration policies. International students must stay informed to navigate these new regulations successfully.