Canada Revises International Student Permit Quota and Work Permit Criteria for 2025

…..Canada Adjusts International Student Permit Cap for 2025 Amid Immigration Reforms

…….The Canadian government introduces a 10% cut in international student permits for 2025 and updates work permit eligibility rules to meet economic and immigration goals.

Canada has announced a significant change in its immigration policy, specifically targeting international student permits. The government plans to cut the Canada student permit cap by 10% for 2025, reducing the number of new permits issued from 485,000 to 437,000. These reforms aim to better align immigration with evolving economic pressures and maintain a balanced, sustainable system.

The Canada student permit cap reduction is part of a broader strategy to manage the influx of temporary residents and ensure that Canada’s immigration system continues to serve the nation effectively. In addition to this reduction, the government will maintain the 2025 intake cap for 2026, ensuring that the number of new permits remains consistent.

To address labour market demands and enhance system integrity, Canada is also updating its Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme (PGWP). Under the new rules, only spouses of master’s degree students, whose programs are at least 16 months long, will qualify for work permits. Additionally, spouses of foreign workers in management or professional sectors facing labour shortages will be eligible. This is part of a broader effort to align the Canada student permit cap and work permits with economic goals.

These changes come in response to a softening labour market and growing housing costs, both of which have placed pressure on Canada’s ability to welcome temporary residents. The government has also committed to reducing the proportion of temporary residents in Canada from 6.5% to 5% of the total population by 2026. With the reduction in the Canada student permit cap, these reforms are designed to meet the country’s changing needs.

Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that not everyone who wants to come to or remain in Canada will be able to do so under the new policy. “We are taking action to preserve the integrity of our system while making sure it remains manageable and sustainable,” he said. As the Canada student permit cap and work permits are tightened, Canada is expected to focus more on internal labour market needs, ensuring that temporary foreign worker programs are utilized appropriately and responsibly.

These measures reflect Canada’s ongoing efforts to balance immigration demands while prioritizing its labour force and economy.