“The international student cap is here to stay” according to Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller.
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to issue only 437,000 study permits in 2025. This figure reflects a 10% decrease from the 2024 target of 485,000 permits, as explained by the department. The intake cap will then be stabilized for 2026.
As a result of this adjustment, IRCC anticipates issuing 300,000 fewer study permits to international students over the next several years.
This is one of many announcements the minister recently made about changes to Canada’s international student program.
Miller stated, “The reality is that not everyone who wishes to come to Canada will have the opportunity, just as not everyone who hopes to stay will be able to.”
He emphasized that Canada’s immigration system must maintain its integrity while being well-managed and sustainable. Looking ahead, he committed to taking all necessary steps to achieve that objective and ensure newcomers are set up for success.
Changes to PGWP eligibility
In addition, new rules have been introduced for Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. Starting November 1, university graduates must show a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7, while college graduates need a CLB score of 5 to apply.
Miller expects these changes will lead to 175,000 fewer PGWPs being issued over the next three years.
What is CLB 7 in PTE & IELTS?
Limits for Spousal Open Work Permits
Later this year, IRCC will also restrict work permit eligibility to spouses of master’s degree students whose programs last at least 16 months. This change is expected to reduce the number of spousal work permits by 50,000 over the next three years.
In a separate update unrelated to the international student program, Spousal Open Work Permits will only be available to the spouses of Canadians or permanent residents working in essential sectors.
Impact on Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Canada’s unemployment rate has been rising since April 2023, with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reporting an increase from 6.4% to 6.6%, resulting in 1.5 million unemployed people by August 2024, up by 60,000 (+4.3%) from the previous month.
Today’s measures aim to reduce the number of temporary residents on work permits in Canada.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, emphasized that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) should only be used as a last resort, not to replace Canadian workers or lower wages.
However, Boissonnault noted that 99% of Canada’s economic growth relies on immigration, a figure expected to reach 100% by 2032.
Changes to temporary and permanent resident levels in Canada
This year, Canada has made significant changes to its immigration system with several new measures.
In January, IRCC introduced its first cap on study permits, initially set to remain in place until the end of 2025. Each provincial government received study permit allocations, and this cap also launched the PAL system.
Along with the study permit cap, new restrictions on PGWP eligibility were announced, disqualifying students in college programs with “curriculum licensing agreements.” Additionally, Spousal Work Permits will now only be available to spouses of master’s and PhD students, with some exceptions.
In March, Minister Miller revealed that the Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027 will include temporary resident levels for the first time, aiming to decrease the number of temporary residents on study or work permits.
Other steps to reduce temporary residents include:
- Ending the COVID-era policy that allowed some visitors to apply for job-supported work permits from within Canada.
- Pausing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the low-wage stream of the TFWP for jobs in areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher.
- Considering major changes to the issuance of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), linking them to educational programs that prepare graduates for in-demand jobs in the Canadian economy.
Minister Miller has expressed willingness to explore options to adjust permanent immigration levels, emphasizing the importance of avoiding “overcorrections.” He noted that the changes he is considering will be significant, not just cosmetic, with more information expected soon.
It is a developing story stay updated with our news and get information soon.