International Students
A 2-year cap on study permit applications started on January 22, 2024, with a goal of net-zero growth.
2024 cap: 485,000 approved study permits (35% reduction from 2023).
2025 cap: 437,000 approvals (10% less than 2024).
New requirement: Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to confirm study permit allocation.
Work Permits (PGWP) Changes
Graduates of master’s programs (minimum 8 months) are eligible for 3-year PGWP (effective February 15, 2024).
Post-May 15, 2024, students in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) programs are no longer eligible for PGWP.
November 1, 2024: New language proficiency requirements for PGWP applicants:
CLB 7 for university graduates.
CLB 5 for college graduates.
New rules tie college program eligibility to long-term labor market needs (e.g., STEM, healthcare, agriculture, trades, transport).