New Measures Announced for International Students and Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada
On September 18, 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller unveiled significant changes to the International Student Program and new eligibility requirements for temporary foreign workers. These reforms aim to better align immigration policies with Canada’s evolving labour market needs and capacity challenges, while also tightening standards for work permits.
Here are the key highlights of the proposed measures:
1. Reduction in Study Permit Intake for 2025 and Stabilization for 2026
Canada will reduce the number of study permits issued in 2025 by 10% compared to the 2024 target of 485,000 new permits. This means that only 437,000 study permits will be issued in 2025.
For 2026, the intake cap will remain at the same level, stabilizing the number of new international students coming to Canada.
2. Updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP)
The PGWP program will undergo changes in fall 2024 to better align with Canada’s immigration goals and address specific labour market needs.
Graduates from public colleges will remain eligible for a PGWP of up to three years, but only if they have completed a field of study linked to occupations experiencing long-term shortages.
As of November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants must meet minimum language proficiency requirements in English or French. University graduates will need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7, while college graduates will need a CLB 5.
3. New Restrictions for Spousal Work Permit Eligibility
Later this year, spousal work permit eligibility will become more restricted:
Only spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs of at least 16 months will qualify for a work permit.
Spouses of temporary foreign workers will be eligible for a work permit if the primary applicant works in a management or professional occupation, or in a sector experiencing labour shortages. These changes will apply to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).
What Does This Mean for International Students and Temporary Workers?
International students aiming to study in Canada will face stricter caps, making it more competitive to obtain a study permit.
Graduates will need to demonstrate language proficiency to qualify for post-graduation work permits, which could impact their ability to stay in Canada and eventually transition to permanent residency.
Spouses of students and foreign workers will see tighter restrictions on work permit eligibility, affecting their ability to accompany their partners and work in Canada.
As these changes roll out, it's important for prospective students, workers, and their families to stay informed and plan accordingly to meet the new requirements.
To learn more information or seek legal advice, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced law firm at rharding@hardingimmigrationlaw.com or book a consultation here.
