Canada Immigration Updates: IELTS, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), And Everything Else You Need to Know
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Why Are Canada’s Immigration Rules Changing?
These updates were introduced to ensure that Canada's International Student Program remains secure, equitable, and efficient in accommodating the growing number of applicants. As global demand rises, these changes help maintain the high standard of the student experience while ensuring Canada’s ability to support its international students.
Canada continues to be a leading destination for students worldwide, known for its top-tier education, clear pathways to permanent residency (PR), and welcoming, multicultural society. However, we recognize that these updates will have a significant impact on many current international students and those planning to study here in the future.
Starting November 1, 2024, new language proficiency requirements will be introduced as part of the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application process. These updates aim to improve the integration of international graduates into Canada’s workforce, ensuring they possess the necessary language skills to succeed in the country’s labour market.
Here are the key updates for 2024
New International Student Program regulations: From November 15, 2024, eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session. Moving forward, international students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing learning institutions. To work off campus without a work permit, international students must be studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, or a vocational training program at the secondary level offered in Quebec, that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate. International students who are eligible to work off campus may work full-time during breaks in their academic calendar, such as the summer break between school years or the winter break between semesters. Find out more about these updates from the IRCC.
Field of Study Requirement: Starting November 1, 2024, new rules will apply to some international students applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. To qualify, students must graduate from programs that prepare them for jobs in industries facing long-term worker shortages in Canada. These jobs fall under five categories: agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), trade, and transport. This ensures international graduates are ready for industries that need skilled workers. The IRCC now has a handy tool for looking up fields of study. (Canada.ca)
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): Starting January 22, 2024, most new post-secondary students will need to include a provincial attestation letter with their study permit applications. This ensures the student is accounted for within the province’s allocated number of study permits. Applications submitted before January 22, 2024, or those already approved are exempt. (Canada.ca).
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Updates: From February 15, 2024, graduates of master’s programs (even if under two years) can qualify for a three-year PGWP, allowing them more time to gain Canadian work experience, a crucial step toward applying for permanent residency (PR). (Canada.ca) .
Public-Private Partnership Colleges: Students graduating from public-private partnership college programs will no longer be eligible for a PGWP. This change aims to improve the quality of education and student support at these institutions (Canada.ca).
Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses: Eligibility for open work permits will be limited to the spouses and common-law partners of students in graduate (master’s and doctorate) and professional degree-granting programs. Spouses and common-law partners of undergraduate and college students will no longer be eligible unless they already hold an open work permit (Canada.ca).
Off-Campus Work Hours: The temporary policy allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus ended on April 30, 2024. Now students will be allowed to work up to 24 hours per week during the academic session. During scheduled academic breaks, students can continue to work unlimited hours (Canada.ca).
Enhanced Verification Process: As of December 1, 2023, designated learning institutions must confirm each applicant’s letter of acceptance directly with IRCC. This measure is designed to protect students from fraud and ensure genuine letters of acceptance (Canada.ca).
Additional Reforms in 2025-2026
International Student Caps: Canada will reduce the number of study permits issued, aiming for 437,000 permits in 2025. Over three years, this will result in about 300,000 fewer permits.
Attestation Letters: Master's and doctoral students will need to provide a provincial or territorial attestation letter to qualify for study permits. 12% of permit spots will be reserved for these students.
Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP): New language requirements will be introduced in November 2024. University graduates must meet a Canada Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7, while college graduates need a CLB of 5. Graduates from programs at public colleges will remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to three years if they graduate from a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage. These changes will result in 175,000 fewer PGWPs over three years.
Spousal Work Permits: Only spouses of students in doctoral or specific master's programs will be eligible for work permits. For temporary foreign workers, work permits will be limited to spouses of highly skilled workers or those in sectors with critical labour shortages. This will lead to 150,000 fewer work permits for spouses over the next three years.
What do These Changes Mean for Students?
Canada's recent immigration updates come with both advantages and challenges that current and future students should know about. Here’s how these changes could impact students studying in Canada.
Positive Impact
Increased Security & Fraud Protection: Enhanced verification of documents ensures only legitimate students are granted permits, protecting students from fraud.
Extended Work Opportunities: Students can now work up to 24 hours per week during the academic year, helping them earn more while studying.
Extended Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP): Graduates of certain master’s programs, even those shorter than 2 years, can receive a three-year PGWP, providing more time to gain work experience and apply for PR.
Better Student Experience for International Students: Schools with high standards of student services will benefit from quicker processing times for their students.
Upcoming Challenges
Limited Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses: Only spouses of graduate students will qualify for work permits, which could strain families financially if both partners previously worked.
Reduced Access to Public-Private Colleges: Students graduating from public-private partnership colleges will no longer be eligible for a PGWP, which could limit their ability to work in Canada after graduation. If a student is not able to work in Canada, then this also has implications for any PR application they would wish to submit.
Tighter Caps on Study Permits: Canada will cap the number of study permits issued, starting in 2024. This reduced intake may make it more competitive for prospective students to enter Canadian institutions, potentially delaying or limiting opportunities for new student
Higher Language and Financial Requirements: New language proficiency standards for PGWP applicants and updated cost-of-living requirements may increase the difficulty of meeting study or immigration eligibility criteria, adding financial and academic pressures for some students.
Overall, these changes create a balance of more work opportunities and stronger protections, but they also introduce new restrictions on work permits for spouses and fewer study permit approvals. International students and their families will need to carefully navigate these updates to make the most of their educational and professional opportunities in Canada.
Find Out More About the IELTS
IELTS is a secure English-language test that is accepted by more than 12,000 organizations across the globe, from educational institutions to employers, as well as government and professional bodies. Learn more about:
Which Test is Right for You, and more.
Let IDP IELTS-Canada guide you through these changes!
For more detailed information, you can visit the official IRCC pages: