How Justin Tradeu’s resignation will affect Canada’s International student

As we step into 2025, international students in Canada are facing a new landscape shaped by updated immigration guidelines. These changes, announced in late 2024, are designed to manage the growing number of temporary residents, ensure the sustainability of Canada’s social services, and align the country’s immigration system with the labour market needs.

Here’s what international students can expect in 2025 based on the latest updates to immigration policies.

6 New Rules for International Students in Canada for 2025

Canada continues to be a top destination for international students, but with the start of 2025, the government has introduced several new regulations to make the immigration system more sustainable and aligned with the country’s labor market needs. These are the six key updates that international students must be aware of:

1. Revised PGWP Eligibility Criteria

Starting November 2024, the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) have changed. University graduates will need a minimum CLB/NCLC level 7 in English or French, while college graduates will require CLB/NCLC level 5. Additionally, college programs must be linked to sectors with long-term labor shortages to qualify for a PGWP of up to three years.

2. Off-Campus Work Hours Limit

As of November 2024, international students can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours. This change aims to strike a balance between work and study commitments, allowing students to gain valuable work experience while focusing on their academics.

3. End of Flagpoling for PGWP Applications

Starting June 21, 2024, students can no longer apply for a PGWP by “flagpoling” (leaving Canada briefly and re-entering). Instead, PGWP applications must be submitted online or through regular immigration channels within Canada.

4. Discontinuation of SDS and NSE

As of November 2024, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs have been discontinued. These programs expedited study permit processing for certain countries, but concerns over fairness led to their removal. The aim is to provide a more equitable process for all applicants.

5. New Rules for Spousal Work Permits

From 2024 onward, spouses or partners of international students will only be eligible for an open work permit if the student is enrolled in a professional degree program (e.g., law, medicine, engineering). This change aligns with Canada’s goal to admit skilled workers who meet specific labor market needs.

6. Study Permit Application Changes

Starting December 23, 2024, international students will no longer be able to apply for a study permit at a Canadian port of entry. Applications must now be submitted online, and students must wait for their study permit to be approved before resuming their studies if they leave Canada.

Let’s talk about some of these rules in more depth.

Lower Foreign Enrolment Caps for 2025 and 2026

One of the most significant shifts in 2025 is the reduced cap on foreign enrolment. Canada has decided to set a limit on the number of international students allowed to enter the country each year. For 2025 and 2026, the enrolment cap will be 10% less than the number set for 2024.

This change is part of a broader strategy to curb the rapid growth of the international student population, which has led to pressures on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. In previous years, there was no cap on graduate-level students, but now, master’s and doctoral students will also be included in the cap. This means fewer international students will be granted study permits, especially at the graduate level.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes

A key draw for international students in Canada is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows graduates to stay and work in Canada after their studies. However, 2025 brings some changes:

University Graduates: Students who graduate from university degree programs (undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral) will still be eligible for a PGWP of up to three years.
College Graduates: International students graduating from public college programs will face more restrictions. After November 1, 2024, they will no longer be eligible for a three-year PGWP, unless their program is linked to high-demand labour market fields such as healthcare, technology, or trades.

This shift aims to prioritize graduates who are likely to contribute to areas of critical workforce shortages. However, this could limit opportunities for those in fields with less direct labour market demand.

Tighter Rules for Spousal Work Permits

Previously, the spouses of international students—particularly those in graduate programs—were allowed to apply for open work permits. However, spouses of master’s degree students whose programs are less than 16 months will no longer be eligible for a spousal work permit starting in 2025. This is part of Canada’s efforts to better manage the influx of temporary residents and ensure that the immigration system remains sustainable.

New Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP Applicants

From November 2024 onwards, language proficiency will be a key requirement for those applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. International students will need to demonstrate their language skills in either English or French through an approved language test.

University Graduates will need to meet a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7.
College Graduates will need a minimum of CLB level 5.

These new language requirements are intended to help students integrate into the Canadian workforce more effectively, ensuring they can adapt to the demands of the job market and contribute to the economy.

Changes for Students Transferring Schools

Students who wish to transfer to a new school in Canada will find new flexibility in 2025. Under the updated guidelines, students can begin their studies at a new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) even before receiving a new study permit, as long as they meet certain conditions:

Acceptance at the new DLI for the winter or spring semester.
Application for a study permit extension.
Holding a valid study permit that does not mention the new DLI.

This change helps ensure that students can continue their education without unnecessary delays, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and follow the required process.

Focus on Sustainable Immigration Growth

The government’s new immigration guidelines reflect a focus on sustainable growth. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that Canada aims to reduce the proportion of temporary residents in the population from 6.5% to 5% by 2026. This is part of a broader strategy to balance immigration with Canada’s capacity to provide housing, healthcare, and other social services. The cap on international student enrolment is one of the key tools being used to manage this population growth.

The Impact on Local Communities and Labour Markets

The new restrictions on international students have sparked significant concerns, particularly from institutions that rely on international students to fill key programs and maintain revenue. Public colleges in Ontario, for example, are worried that limiting the PGWP eligibility for college graduates could hurt their ability to train students for critical local jobs in sectors like construction, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, by including graduate students in the enrolment cap, the government may inadvertently discourage some of the best minds from coming to Canada to conduct research and contribute to the country’s innovation economy.

What Does This Mean for Students in 2025?

For international students already studying in Canada, these changes will impact their work and study opportunities. Students applying for study permits, post-graduation work permits, or looking to transfer schools will need to stay informed about the new rules.

Prospective Students: Those hoping to study in Canada in 2025 will face more competition for study permits, especially at the graduate level. It will be crucial for students to apply early, meet all the necessary requirements, and ensure they are studying in fields that align with Canada’s workforce needs.
Graduating Students: Students graduating in 2025 will need to meet the new language proficiency requirements for the PGWP. Additionally, if they are in a college program, they must ensure their program aligns with areas of high labour market demand to be eligible for a three-year work permit.

Conclusively, we can say that the future for international students in Canada in 2025 is shaping up to be more challenging but also more structured. While the new guidelines reflect Canada’s effort to control the number of temporary residents and better align immigration with labour market needs, they also bring new opportunities for students who meet the criteria. As the landscape shifts, international students will need to adapt, but Canada remains a top destination for those seeking high-quality education and work opportunities.