Immigration Policy Changes for International Students in Canada in 2025
Canada has tightened its immigration policies for international students in 2024 and 2025 to maintain high education standards and support genuine students.
Here are the key changes impacting international students:
1. Reduction of International Students and Provincial Attestation Letters
To ensure equitable access for all institutions, Canada introduced a cap of 360,000 approved study permits for 2025, a 35% decrease from 2023, with further reductions planned for 2026. Additionally, Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) became mandatory for study permit applications.
This requirement has impacted private colleges that don’t offer degree programs, as many were unable to obtain PALs and have been largely excluded from enrolling international students.
2. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program Changes
The PGWP program, allowing graduates to work in Canada for up to three years, has undergone several changes:
- Specific areas of study: The government now defines specific areas of study for non-degree programs eligible for PGWP, influencing program choices for international students.
- Increased duration for Master’s graduates: The PGWP duration for students completing 1-year Master’s programs has been increased to three years.
- Public-private partnerships: The PGWP program is no longer available for students in public-private partnerships where a private institution delivers the curriculum.
- Increased off-campus work hours: International students can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, up from the pre-Covid limit of 20 hours.
- Language proficiency: Graduates must demonstrate English language proficiency at CLB 7 for degree programs and CLB 5 for college programs to obtain a PGWP.
3. End of “Flagpoling” for PGWP Applications
As of June 21, 2024, “flagpoling” – obtaining a PGWP by crossing the Canada-U.S. border – is no longer permitted.
All PGWP applications must now be submitted online or through regular immigration channels within Canada.
4. New Procedure for Changing Educational Institutions
Starting in 2025, students wishing to change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) must apply for a new study permit and wait for approval before commencing studies at the new institution.
However, exemptions were made for the Winter 2025 and May 2025 intakes, allowing students to begin studying while awaiting their application decision.
5. End of Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express programs, which expedited study permit processing for residents of specific countries, ended on November 8, 2024.
6. New Rules for Study Permit Applications at Ports of Entry
International students can no longer apply for a study permit at a Canadian port of entry.
- All applications must be submitted online.
- Students who have applied for a study permit or extension cannot maintain their student status if they leave Canada.
- They must wait for their new permit to be issued before returning to their studies.
7. Spousal Open Work Permits
Spouses of international students are now eligible for an open work permit only if the student is enrolled in specific programs, including:
- Master’s or Doctoral Degree Programs (16 months or longer)
- Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (outside Quebec)
- Nursing skills recognition project (Quebec)
- Professional Doctoral programs in Medicine (Dental Surgery, Medicine, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine) and Juris Doctor
- Certain Bachelor’s programs (Law, Nursing, Nursing Science, Education, Engineering)
Navigating these changes can be complex.
We are here to help you navigate these changes, create a clear pathway from your studies to your career, and ultimately, achieve your goal of permanent residency in Canada.