Canada remains a leading destination for international students, celebrated for its diverse and inclusive society, high-quality educational institutions, and potential pathways for work and immigration postgraduation. As Canada continues to adapt to changing global economic landscapes, the Canadian government adopted several significant policy changes in 2024 aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the International Student Program and protecting students from exploitation.
Adjustments in study permit allocations and eligibility
To manage the influx of students judiciously, Canada introduced study permit regulations that took effect on January 22, 2024. A major policy shift requires most new postsecondary international students at the college or undergraduate level to submit a provincial attestation letter (PAL) with their study permit applications. This requirement serves as part of a broader strategy to maintain control over the numbers, ensuring each student is accounted for under specific provincial or territorial caps. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has decreed that applications lacking a PAL will be returned, although exceptions are noted for certain categories of students such as primary and secondary school students, master’s or doctoral students, and others already within Canada under specific conditions.
Additionally, Canada announced an overall reduction in study permits for 2025, capping at 437,000 permits – 10% less than in 2024. About 12% of the allocations for 2025-2026 will be reserved for master’s and doctoral students who, along with their applications, will need to include a PAL, underscoring the significance they bring to the Canadian labor market.
Reform in work permit policies
New regulations cap off-campus work hours at 24 per week while courses are in session, ensuring a balance between academic focus and work opportunities. To work off campus without a work permit, international students must be enrolled full time in a postsecondary academic, vocational or professional training program – or a vocational training program at the secondary level in Quebec – that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
Changes in postgraduation work permit
The Canadian government introduced updates to the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) program, which particularly benefits master’s degree graduates. Recognizing the substantial potential of master’s graduates to thrive in the Canadian labor market, the government has revised the PGWP to offer these graduates a longer work permit duration.. Starting from February 15, 2024, graduates from master’s programs that are less than two years in length, and who meet all other PGWP eligibility criteria, will now be eligible for a three-year postgraduation work permit. This extended duration is designed to provide these graduates ample time to gain the Canadian work experience required to apply for permanent residency.
Strengthening the system: Compliance and integrity
IRCC has introduced measures to combat fraud and safeguard the International Student Program, emphasizing the role of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in ensuring compliance. DLIs must submit student compliance reports or face suspension, reinforcing accountability and program integrity. This move is bolstered by a new acceptance letter verification process, which has successfully validated nearly 492,000 letters to date.
Summary: What this means for international students
The 2024 reforms in Canadian study and work permit regulations offer several key benefits for international students, significantly enhancing their educational and professional journey in Canada.
- Enhanced quality assurance: Requiring a PAL only from eligible DLIs ensures that international students receive education from institutions that meet high standards, enhancing the overall quality of their academic experience.
- Increased financial flexibility: The increased allowed work hours from 20 to 24 per week provides international students with greater opportunity to earn and manage their finances, reducing financial stress and allowing them to focus more on their studies.
- Extended work opportunities postgraduation: The extension of the PGWP to three years for master’s program graduates, especially those from programs shorter than two years, offers a longer period to gain valuable Canadian work experience. This is crucial for students looking to transition into permanent residency.
- Alignment with labor market needs: The introduction of field of study requirements that target specific sectors such as agriculture, STEM and health care helps to align students’ education with actual job market demands. This not only enhances job prospects postgraduation but also ensures that students are entering fields where skilled workers are needed the most.
Overall, these reforms are designed to provide a more supportive and structured framework for international students, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically and professionally within Canada.
Looking ahead
As we look toward 2025, these changes support an enriching environment for international students. With improved study permit processes, generous work permit conditions, and stronger compliance measures, Canada continues to offer a welcoming and dynamic educational experience. This enables international students to achieve their academic goals and contribute significantly to Canada’s diverse community.
