Canada Updates Rules for International Students.
Are you planning to study in Canada or are you already an international student in Canada navigating your academic journey in 2025?
Canada remains a top destination for international students, but 2024 has brought significant changes to the rules governing the International Student Program (ISP).
These new measures, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aim to enhance the integrity of the program, ensure fairness, and streamline processes for students.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the new rules that international students must keep in mind for 2025, from changes to post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility to new restrictions on off-campus work hours and updates to study permit applications.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
1. New PGWP Eligibility Criteria
Effective November 1, 2024, international students applying for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) must meet revised eligibility requirements.
These changes depend on when your study permit application was submitted and your program of study.
For Students Submitting Study Permit Applications On or After November 2024:
- University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degrees):
- Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all language skills.
- Field of Study: No restrictions; all fields are eligible.
- Graduates from Other University Programs:
- Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French).
- Field of Study: Must be in a high-demand area in Canada.
- College Graduates or Other Programs:
- Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French).
- Field of Study: Limited to programs aligned with long-term labor market shortages.
Eligible Fields of Study:
The new criteria emphasize aligning studies with in-demand occupations. Eligible fields include:
- healthcare occupations
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations.
- trade occupations
- transportation occupations
- agriculture and agri-food occupations
2. Off-Campus Work Hour Restrictions for International Students
Students may now work a maximum of 24 hours per week, up from the previous limit of 20 hours per week.
This change aims to balance students’ academic responsibilities with their work commitments, helping them focus on their studies while gaining valuable work experience.
3. End of Flagpoling for PGWP Applications
As of June 21, 2024, international students can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, a process commonly referred to as “flagpoling.”
What is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling involved temporarily leaving Canada and returning to secure same-day immigration services at the border.
This practice has now been eliminated to reduce inefficiencies and enhance the integrity of the system.
International students must now apply for their PGWP online or through regular immigration channels within Canada.
4. Termination of Student Direct Stream (SDS)
In November 2024, IRCC officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) visa programs.
Why Were These Programs Discontinued?
- The SDS, introduced in 2018, expedited study permit processing for students from countries such as India, China, and the Philippines. However, concerns about vulnerabilities and fairness led to its discontinuation.
- By terminating these programs, IRCC aims to create a more level playing field for all applicants and reduce exploitation within the system.
5. New Rules for Spousal Open Work Permits
As of 2024, new criteria have been introduced for spouses or common-law partners of international students applying for open work permits.
Eligibility is now limited to spouses of students enrolled in professional degree programs at a university, such as a master’s or doctorate program:
- Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS, DMD)
- Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Medical doctor (MD)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm), Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Veterinary medicine doctor (DVM)
- Nursing Bachelor of Science (BScN, BSN, or BNSc)
- Education Bachelor’s Degree (B. Ed.)
- Engineering Bachelor’s Degree (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
This move aligns with Canada’s focus on admitting high-skilled workers and addressing labor market needs.
6. New Rules for Study Permit Applications at Ports of Entry
Starting December 23, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET, international students will no longer be able to apply for a study permit at a Canadian port of entry.
This rule affects most foreign nationals already in Canada.
Key Changes:
- Study permit applications and extensions must now be submitted online.
- If a student on maintained status (formerly called implied status) leaves Canada, they lose their ability to study upon return. They must wait for their study permit application to be approved before resuming studies.
This change ensures better oversight of study permit applications and reduces processing inconsistencies.
How These Changes Affect International Students
1. Enhanced Academic and Work-Life Balance:
The reduction in off-campus work hours helps students prioritize their education while still gaining work experience in Canada.
2. Greater Alignment with Canada’s Labor Market Needs:
The updated PGWP eligibility criteria and field-of-study requirements encourage students to pursue programs aligned with in-demand occupations, increasing their chances of securing employment post-graduation.
3. Increased Oversight and Fairness:
The termination of SDS and NSE, along with the new application processes, reflects Canada’s commitment to a transparent and fair immigration system.
Preparing for the Changes
As an international student in Canada, staying informed is critical to navigating these new regulations.
Here are some tips to prepare:
- Plan Ahead: Ensure your study program meets the updated PGWP eligibility criteria.
- Apply Online: Submit study permit and extension applications well in advance to avoid disruptions.
- Seek Guidance: Consult with your educational institution or an immigration consultant for up-to-date advice.
Canada’s new rules for international students in 2024 reflect a broader strategy to balance the needs of students, employers, and the immigration system.
While the changes may appear restrictive, they ultimately aim to enhance the student experience, ensure program integrity, and align education pathways with Canada’s labor market demands.
If you’re planning to study in Canada, these updates emphasize the importance of staying informed and making strategic decisions about your education and career.
Canada remains a top destination for international students, and with these changes, the country continues to prioritize quality and fairness in its immigration processes.
Canada Updates Rules for International Students.
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