The Canadian government has recently unveiled significant changes to its immigration policy, aiming to address concerns over the exploitation of its work permit and study visa programs.
These adjustments primarily impact international graduates, foreign workers, and temporary residents, with a focus on reducing the overall intake of international students.
Here are the eight major announcements shaping Canada’s immigration landscape for 2025 and beyond:
1. Study Permit Intake Cap for 2025
Canada will reduce its study permit issuance by 10% in 2025, compared to the 2024 target of 485,000. This brings the new cap to 437,000 study permits. The reduction aims to control the influx of international students while stabilizing the intake for 2026.
2. Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Visa Scheme
Starting this fall, modifications will be introduced to the post-graduation work visa program. These changes will make it more selective, ensuring only students meeting specific criteria are eligible for work permits.
3. Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses of Master’s Degree Students
Work permit eligibility for spouses of master’s degree students will be limited to those whose programs last at least 16 months. This measure will come into effect later this year to ensure that only long-term, academically engaged students benefit from the program.
4. Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses of Foreign Workers
Spouses of foreign workers will see tighter eligibility requirements. Only those in management, professional roles, or sectors experiencing labor shortages will qualify for work permits under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP).
5. Language Proficiency Requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permit
From November 1, 2024, post-graduation work permit applicants will need to meet a new language requirement of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 or 5, depending on their educational background. University graduates must meet CLB 7, while college graduates require CLB 5.
6. Study Permit Attestation for Master’s and Doctoral Students
Starting in 2025, master’s and doctoral students must submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter as part of their study permit application. Around 12% of study permit allocation will be reserved for these students, ensuring a balanced intake.
7. Caps on Temporary Foreign Workers
In 2025, a new cap will limit low-wage temporary foreign workers to 10% of an employer’s workforce. Some industries, however, will be exempt from this rule to prevent labor shortages in critical sectors.
8. Reduction in Temporary Resident Numbers
Canada plans to reduce its temporary resident population from 6.5% to 5% of the total population by 2027. This target will be outlined in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which will be released on November 1, 2024.
Global Impact on International Students
The tightening of Canada’s immigration policy is expected to encourage international students to explore alternative study destinations such as Germany, Singapore, Italy, and Ireland.
While Canada remains a top choice for education, these changes highlight the growing array of global opportunities for students.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed these sentiments in a social media post, stating: “We’re granting 35% fewer international student permits this year. And next year, that number’s going down by another 10%. Immigration is an advantage for our economy — but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down.”
Conclusion
Canada’s recent immigration changes reflect the evolving global landscape and aim to maintain the integrity of its immigration programs. As the country reduces international student intake and tightens work permit rules, it opens the door for students and workers to explore other growing educational and employment hubs worldwide.
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