Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, has made important announcements. These changes are going to significantly change the conditions for temporary residents and foreign students. This IRCC update adds additional requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permit PGWP eligibility. With that, there’s also a stiffer cap on study permits. It is anticipated that fewer licenses will be awarded in the upcoming years as a result of these measures, which are intended to control the influx of overseas students.

Study Permit Cap Set for 2025

Miller stated, “The cap on overseas students is here to remain,” highlighting the fact that the IRCC would only grant 437,000 study permits by 2025. This number represents a 10% drop from the 485,000 permit objective set for 2024. It is anticipated to stabilize in 2026. The IRCC expects to issue 300,000 fewer study permits over the next three years.

For aspiring students, this is a significant step because Canadian colleges and universities are well recognized for their high caliber of education. Miller clarified the goal of the cap when he said, “Our immigration system must be well-managed, sustainable, and retain its integrity.”

Changes to PGWP Eligibility and Spousal Permits

One of the most significant modifications is the addition of new PGWP eligibility requirements. Commencing on November 1st, candidates are required to exhibit a certain CLB score. Which is, Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 for college graduates and 7 for university graduates. Over the following three years, it is anticipated that this move alone will lead to the issuance of 175,000 fewer PGWPs.

There is yet more change to come. Only spouses of master’s degree candidates whose courses last at least 16 months will now be qualified for spousal open work permits. Spousal licenses are expected to decrease by 50,000 as a result of this restriction during that time.

Also read: Visitor Visa Holders No Longer Allowed to Apply for Work Permits from Within Canada

PGWP Eligibility: Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Needed for Master’s and PhD Students

Another change is that in order to apply for study permits, master’s and doctorate students—who were previously exempt—will now require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). In order to assist the IRCC manage the number of permits and ensure that study applications are legitimate, the new PAL system was implemented earlier for undergraduate and college students.

Minister Miller clarified that, in recognition of these students’ substantial contributions to Canada’s labor market, about 12% of study permit allocations will be set aside for them.

Impact on Temporary Foreign Workers and Canada’s Labor Market

These are not only student-related changes. Since April 2023, Canada’s unemployment rate has increased and is at 6.6%. Similar to Miller, Minister of Employment Randy Boissonnault said that salaries should never be suppressed or Canadian workers replaced by temporary foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). He emphasized the need to restrict the number of temporary workers and advised firms to use the TFWP as a last choice only.

Boissonnault also highlighted the critical role that immigration will play in Canada’s future. Noting that, as of right now, 99% of economic growth is attributed to immigration. That’s the percentage that is predicted to rise to 100% by 2032.

Future Immigration Levels: Temporary and Permanent Residents

Canada’s immigration laws have undergone significant modifications this year. Beginning in January with the introduction of the first-ever study visa cap. Subsequently, a number of additional regulations have been implemented, including tighter limitations on spouse work permits and PGWP eligibility.

The Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2027 was also emphasized by Minister Miller. This plan will incorporate temporary resident levels for the first time. In the near future, the plan is anticipated to implement more stringent regulations. Because the government is working towards decreasing the number of temporary residents.

There was also a suggestion in the IRCC release about possible future changes to permanent immigration numbers. Miller stressed the necessity for equilibrium, saying, “We have to make sure that our system continues to be just and efficient. The adjustments we’re thinking about will not be minor tweaks.

Canada continues to restructure its immigration laws. So, further adjustments to the programs for both temporary and permanent residents may be forthcoming. Stay tuned for more information.

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