Canada Targets Study Permits, Work Visas in New Plan

Canada has recently implemented significant changes to its immigration policies, focusing on tightening regulations for study permits and work visas. These measures aim to address concerns over housing shortages, infrastructure strain, and the integrity of immigration programs.

Study Permit Reductions and New Requirements

• Study Permit Caps: In 2025, Canada plans to issue up to 437,000 study permits, a 10% reduction from 2024's target of 485,000. This continues a trend from 2023, when over 650,000 permits were issued. The cap is expected to stabilize in 2026.
• Provincial Attestation Letters: All study permit applicants, including master's and doctoral students, must now obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) confirming their acceptance into a designated learning institution.
• Work Hour Limitations: International students are now restricted to working a maximum of 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions, down from previous allowances.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Adjustments

• Eligibility Criteria: Starting September 1, 2024, students enrolled in curriculum licensing arrangements at private colleges will no longer qualify for PGWPs.
• Program Alignment: The PGWP program will be restructured to align with labor market needs, potentially limiting eligibility to graduates from programs in high-demand occupations.

Spousal Work Permit Restrictions

• International Students: Spouses of international students will only be eligible for open work permits if the student is enrolled in a master's program of at least 16 months, a doctoral program, or certain professional degree programs.
• Foreign Workers: Spouses of foreign workers will be eligible for open work permits only if the principal applicant is employed in management, professional occupations, or sectors experiencing labor shortages.

Enhanced Authority to Revoke Permits

Effective January 31, 2025, Canadian immigration officers have expanded authority to cancel temporary resident documents, including study and work permits, under circumstances such as:

• Misrepresentation or submission of false information.
• Changes in eligibility status, including criminal inadmissibility or security concerns.
• Administrative errors in permit issuance.
• Loss, theft, or destruction of the permit.

These measures aim to enhance the integrity of Canada's immigration system and address issues related to unauthorized stays and fraudulent activities.

Implications for International Applicants

These policy changes reflect Canada's efforts to balance immigration with infrastructure capacity and labor market needs. Prospective international students and workers should carefully review the new requirements and assess their eligibility before applying.