Canada Tightens Foreign Student Limits and Updates Work Rules!

Canada Tightens Foreign Student Rules and Post-Study Work Policies

Immigration Minister Marc Miller recently announced stricter rules for temporary residents. He made it clear that not everyone who wants to come or stay in Canada will qualify. As a result, Canada has introduced tighter controls on study permits and post-study work opportunities.

These changes aim to manage growing pressure on housing, healthcare, and public services.

Key Changes at a Glance

Here is a quick and clear summary of what has changed:

• The study permit cap introduced in early 2024 will continue. In addition, the next two years will see a 10% lower cap than 2024 levels.
• Master’s and PhD students are no longer exempt from the cap.
• Public college students will now lose PGWP eligibility if their program does not match high-demand occupations.
• University degree graduates will still qualify for a 3-year PGWP.
• Only master’s programs of 16 months or more will make a student’s spouse eligible for a spousal work permit.
• From November 1, 2024, students must meet minimum English or French language requirements to qualify for PGWP.

What Changed in Early 2024?

At the start of 2024, Canada introduced major reforms that shocked many international students.

First, the government imposed a national cap on new study permits. This move led to an expected 35% drop in new study permits compared to the previous year.

Additionally, Canada:

• Removed spousal work permits for most students, except those in graduate or professional programs.
• Eliminated PGWP eligibility for graduates of Ontario’s public-private colleges.
• Made the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) mandatory to control institutional intake.

The main goal behind these steps was to reduce pressure on affordable housing and healthcare systems.

Why Is Canada Doing This?

Minister Marc Miller made his intentions clear. Canada issued around 485,000 study permits in 2024. However, over the next two years, the government plans to issue only 437,000 permits per year.

This decision aims to manage resources better and control population growth through temporary migration.

Impact on Master’s and PhD Students

From the end of 2024, master’s and PhD students must submit a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter.

However, the government has reserved 12% of total spaces for these students because they contribute strongly to Canada’s labour market.

Despite this, critics argue that the government is:

• Failing to identify irresponsible institutions
• Placing extra burden on high-performing students
• Risking the loss of global talent

Public Colleges Face the Harshest Impact

Public college students face the most challenges under the new rules.

If a program does not align with high-demand occupations, students will not qualify for PGWP. As a result:

• Colleges will need to reduce course options.
• Institutions must focus only on market-driven programs.
• Many valuable fields of study may lose importance.

Critics have also labeled this change as biased toward universities.

Language Requirement Now Mandatory for PGWP

From November 1, 2024, students must meet minimum English or French language scores to be eligible for PGWP.

This change supports students with strong language skills. However, it creates difficulty for those who struggle with language proficiency, even after studying in Canada.

Furthermore, students in master’s programs shorter than 16 months can no longer bring their spouse on an open work permit. This has disappointed many families.

Final Outlook

Clearly, Canada has shifted toward a more controlled and selective system. Not everyone who dreams of studying or staying in Canada will qualify anymore.

Students must now plan carefully, choose the right programs, and stay updated with immigration rules.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).