The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced significant changes impacting temporary residents in Canada. These updates, revealed on September 18, 2024, follow closely on the heels of other pivotal policy adjustments made in August. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of these new measures:
Changes to Study Permit Intake Cap
The IRCC has revised the annual cap on study permit applications. In 2024, the cap was set at 485,000 applications, but this will be reduced by 10% in 2025, bringing the new limit to 437,000 applications.
A critical update for 2025 is that Master’s and PhD students, previously exempt from the cap, will now be included. Additionally, these students must submit a provincial attestation letter along with their applications. This requirement is a notable departure from the current policy, where such students do not require this document.
Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) Updates
Starting November 1, 2024, international students applying for a PGWP must include language test results with their applications. The language proficiency requirements are as follows:
- University Graduates: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7.
- College Graduates: Minimum CLB 5.
- Accepted language tests include CELPIP, IELTS, PTE, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada. Applications submitted without language test results after November 1 may face rejection.
- Another forthcoming change involves PGWP eligibility being tied to fields of study associated with occupations experiencing long-term labor shortages. While the implementation date for this policy is yet to be announced, it underscores Canada’s focus on aligning education and immigration pathways with labor market needs.
Work Permit Restrictions for Spouses
IRCC has also tightened work permit eligibility for spouses of international students and foreign workers. Key changes include:
1. Spouses of International Students:
Eligibility will be limited to spouses of students pursuing Master’s degrees lasting 16 months or longer.
Spouses of students enrolled in programs of one year or less will no longer qualify for work permits.
2. Spouses of Foreign Workers:
Eligibility will be restricted to spouses of foreign workers employed in management or professional occupations or in sectors experiencing labor shortages.
This replaces the current policy allowing spouses of workers in all Tier 0–5 occupations to apply for work permits.
Implications of the Changes
These policy updates reflect IRCC’s intent to significantly reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada. By 2026, the goal is to lower the proportion of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of Canada’s total population.
This will likely result in stricter eligibility requirements for those seeking to transition to permanent residency or secure work permits. Individuals whose skills and education align with Canada’s long-term goals may find opportunities, while others may face challenges either remaining in or entering Canada.
In summary, these measures signal a clear message: Canada is prioritizing high-skilled and strategically aligned immigration pathways. Temporary residents and prospective applicants must adapt to these changes to align with the country’s evolving immigration priorities.
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