Major Changes for International Students and Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) in Canada in 2024
The year 2024 has seen significant changes to Canada’s international student policies, particularly with regards to study permits, Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), and related regulations. These modifications reflect the government’s strategy to adjust the number of temporary residents entering Canada and to ensure that the international student program continues to serve its evolving needs.
This article offers an in-depth look at the key changes that will impact international students in Canada, from new eligibility criteria for PGWPs to shifts in work permit regulations. Let’s explore these changes in detail.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility
- Curriculum Licensing Agreement Update
- Extension for Master’s Degree Graduates
- Language Proficiency Requirements
- New Field of Study Eligibility Criteria
- Increased Cost of Living Requirement for Study Permits
- Closure of Key Stream Programs
- End of the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
- Termination of the Nigeria Student Express (NSE)
- Cap on Study Permit Applications
- Stricter Study Permit Application Rules
- Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs)
- Requirement for New Study Permits When Changing Schools
- New Work Permit Regulations for Spouses
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Canada’s international student program has undergone several adjustments in 2024. These changes are designed to balance the need for skilled international workers while scaling back the number of temporary residents. The modifications to PGWPs, study permit application processes, and associated regulations are intended to reflect both Canada’s current immigration priorities and the broader economic context.
2. Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility
Several new rules have been implemented that affect the eligibility of international students for Post-Graduation Work Permits, particularly regarding the types of programs they graduate from and their language proficiency.
Curriculum Licensing Agreement Update
A significant change was announced by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) on January 22, 2024, regarding students enrolled in programs under curriculum licensing agreements. These agreements allow private colleges to offer programs affiliated with public colleges. Starting May 15, 2024, international students who complete such programs will no longer be eligible for PGWPs. This decision shortens the eligibility for students in these programs, which were once eligible for work permits under the previous policy.
Extension for Master’s Degree Graduates
The eligibility for PGWPs has also been extended for graduates of Master’s degree programs. Previously, the duration of a PGWP was limited to the length of the program, up to a maximum of three years. However, as of February 15, 2024, graduates of Master’s programs, even those lasting less than two years, are now eligible for a full three-year work permit. This change gives these graduates more time to gain Canadian work experience, which may help them transition to permanent residency.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Starting November 1, 2024, applicants for PGWPs will need to meet specific language proficiency requirements. University graduates will need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7, while college graduates will need a CLB score of 5. This requirement applies to all new applicants from this date forward.
New Field of Study Eligibility Criteria
Another significant development in September 2024 introduced field of study requirements for PGWP eligibility. Students graduating from certain fields linked to occupations in high demand in Canada will be eligible for PGWPs. These fields include:
- Agriculture and Agri-food
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trade
- Transport
These new field requirements do not apply to graduates of university programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees). However, they are relevant for students graduating from vocational programs or college programs. Furthermore, these new criteria only apply to those who apply for a study permit or change programs after November 1, 2024.
3. Increased Cost of Living Requirement for Study Permits
As of January 1, 2024, the cost of living requirement for international students has been raised significantly. The new requirement for a single applicant has been doubled from $10,000 to $20,635 for the 2024 academic year. This amount must be demonstrated in addition to covering tuition fees and travel costs. This change is applied to all study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024.
4. Closure of Key Stream Programs
In a major policy shift, IRCC closed two key fast-track study permit programs: the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and the Nigeria Student Express (NSE).
End of the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
On November 8, 2024, the IRCC announced the immediate closure of the SDS. Launched in 2018, SDS was designed to expedite the study permit process for international students from 14 countries, including India, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines. With SDS, the processing time for study permits was reduced to just 20 days. However, due to ongoing delays in processing times, the program was terminated. Applicants will now experience longer waiting periods as general processing times have extended beyond the 20-day standard.
Termination of the Nigeria Student Express (NSE)
Alongside the SDS, the NSE, which served students from Nigeria, was also shut down. This program, similar to SDS, allowed Nigerian students to apply for study permits under a streamlined process. With its closure, Nigerian students will face the same extended processing times as other applicants.
5. Cap on Study Permit Applications
In a bid to manage the volume of study permits, the IRCC introduced a cap on new study permit applications for 2024. The total number of new study permits granted is expected to be approximately 360,000, marking a 35% reduction from the previous year. This is part of the federal government’s strategy to reduce the overall number of temporary residents in Canada. The 2024 target of 485,000 includes both new applicants and those applying for extensions.
6. Stricter Study Permit Application Rules
To enforce the study permit cap, IRCC implemented new rules requiring a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for most applicants. This letter, issued by provinces and territories, confirms that the student’s program and admission have been verified under the new restrictions.
Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs)
As of January 22, 2024, PALs are mandatory for most international students applying for study permits, except for certain cases. These exceptions include primary and secondary school students, Master’s or doctoral students, and individuals applying for extensions or new study permits after November 1, 2024.
Changing Schools and Study Permits
Starting November 15, 2024, IRCC also introduced a requirement for students to apply for a new study permit if they wish to change schools. Previously, students could switch institutions under the same permit, as long as they updated their status with IRCC. Now, they must apply for a new permit if transferring schools. However, in cases where students are transferring in the winter or spring of 2025, they may begin their studies before receiving a new permit, provided they have applied for one.
7. New Work Permit Regulations for Spouses
Canada has also updated its policies regarding work permits for the spouses of international students. Spouses will now be eligible for open work permits under new regulations, further encouraging family reunification and improving the work prospects for families of international students.
8. Conclusion
The changes to Canada’s international student program in 2024 reflect the government’s evolving approach to managing the flow of temporary residents. The updates, which include stricter rules for study permits, new PGWP eligibility criteria, and the closure of expedited streams, aim to align the program with current economic and immigration priorities. International students and applicants will need to stay informed of these changes to navigate the evolving landscape of Canada’s study and work opportunities effectively
For a free consultation about your work permit and student permit options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
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