Canada’s New Limits for International Students: What You Need to Know

Canada has long been a beacon for international students, offering quality education and post-graduation opportunities. However, recent government policy changes are set to alter this landscape significantly. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments and their potential impact.

Key Highlights: New Cap on Study Permits

To address the housing crisis, strained public services, and rising living costs, the Canadian government announced a cap on the number of international students. The 2025–2026 targets reflect a 10% reduction from the 2024 goal of 485,000 students to 437,000.

• Who is affected?
  Initially, postgraduate students in master’s and PhD programs were excluded from the cap. However, new policies now include these groups, requiring students to provide provincial or territorial attestation letters when applying.
• Impact on institutions:
  Colleges are feeling the strain. For instance, Sheridan College—known for its excellence in animation—has suspended 40 programs and announced layoffs. The college anticipates a 30% decline in enrollment, leading to a projected revenue loss of CAD 112 million next year.

Changes to Immigration and Work Policies

1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Updates
   • International graduates now need to demonstrate minimum language proficiency in English (CLB level 7) or French (NCLC level 7) across reading, writing, listening, and speaking to qualify for PGWPs.

Implication:
Students must prioritize language skills to secure post-graduation opportunities.

2. Restrictions on Work Permits for Spouses

• Open work permits for spouses will now be limited to:
  1. Partners of master’s degree students enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months.
  2. Spouses of foreign workers in management, professional occupations, or sectors with labor shortages under specific immigration programs.

Implication:
This marks a departure from Canada’s traditionally family-friendly immigration policies, forcing many families to reconsider their plans.

3. Increased Working Hours for Students

• Off-campus work hours for students during academic sessions have increased from 20 to 24 hours per week.

Implication:

This change provides more earning opportunities for students but may challenge time management with academic commitments.

4. Stricter Oversight for Institutions and Students

• Students must apply for a new study permit before changing institutions.
• Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) must submit compliance reports biannually to verify the enrollment status of study permit holders.

Implication:

Non-compliance can lead to investigations and enforcement actions, ensuring tighter regulation of the program.