Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new restrictions on international student permits, aiming to address the rising number of temporary residents in the country. As part of its efforts, the Canadian government plans to reduce the number of study permits issued by 10% in 2025, bringing the total down to 437,000. This decision follows concerns about the increasing population of temporary residents and challenges in maintaining adequate resources for international students.
Key Changes Affecting International Students:
- Reduction in Study Permits: Starting in 2025, Canada will cap the number of study permits issued to 437,000 annually, a 10% reduction from 2024. This cap is part of a broader strategy to manage temporary resident volumes and ensure better support for students coming to Canada.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes: Students enrolled in certain public-private partnership programs will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits. This move is aimed at ensuring that only graduates from programs aligned with long-term Canadian labor market needs can obtain work permits.
- Spousal Work Permit Restrictions: Eligibility for spousal work permits will now be limited to spouses of international students enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs lasting at least 16 months. This change is expected to reduce the number of spousal work permits issued over the next few years.
These measures reflect Canada’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its immigration system while maintaining sustainable immigration levels. As international students contribute significantly to the country’s economy and academic community, these changes aim to balance the benefits they bring with the challenges of supporting large numbers of temporary residents.
For more detailed information, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/09/strengthening-temporary-residence-programs-for-sustainable-volumes.html
