Canada Updated Rules for International Students in 2025

Canada has long been a top destination for international students, offering a rich academic experience and a diverse culture. With its welcoming environment, excellent academic institutions, and opportunities for post-graduation work, Canada continues to attract students from around the world. However, recent years have seen a surge in the number of international students arriving in the country, leading to concerns about the integrity of the student visa system and its impact on various services. As a response, the Government of Canada has introduced new measures to ensure the well-being and success of international students while stabilizing the overall number of students arriving and alleviating pressures on housing, health care, and other services in the country.

Here is a quick look at a few of the new rules:

As international students plan to study in Canada, several new measures have been introduced that may impact their academic pursuits. Here’s an overview of the changes:

1) Cap on the Number of International Students Coming to Canada:

Canada has set a cap of 437,000 study permits for 2025, marking a 10% decrease from 2024. This reduction aims to alleviate pressures on housing and public services. In 2024, Canada implemented a 35% reduction in new international study permits, capping them at approximately 364,000, down from nearly 560,000 in 2023. ​

The study permit cap primarily affects undergraduate programs like bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Master’s and Ph.D. programs are exempt from the cap, making them a more competitive option. In light of the current circumstances, if you choose to pursue a graduate degree, diploma in Canada, look for universities with easy admissions and high acceptance rates to increase your chances of receiving a study permit.

2) New Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirement:

The scope of the PAL/TAL requirement is expanded. Starting January 2025, master’s and doctoral degree students are also required to submit a valid PAL/TAL with their study permit applications. Prior to this change, these students were exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement.

3) Changing Institutions Requires New Permit

As of November 8, 2024, students wishing to change their DLI must apply for a new study permit, even if their current permit is still valid. This change aims to strengthen the integrity of the International Student Program by ensuring accurate tracking and compliance.​

To make the transition smoother for students planning to switch to a new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for the winter or spring 2025 semesters, the IRCC introduced temporary measures. Students can start their studies at the new DLI while waiting for their new study permit, but they must meet a few conditions: they need to be accepted by the new DLI, apply for a new study permit through an extension, have a valid study permit that doesn’t list the new DLI, and continue following all the rules of their current study permit.

4) Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Criteria:

• Commencing from September 1, 2024, international students embarking on study programs offered by private colleges delivering licensed curricula will no longer qualify for PGWPs.
• Starting February 15, 2024, those who complete a master’s degree program in less than 2 years will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit.

5) Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility Change:

Open work permits will only be offered to spouses of international students pursuing master’s and doctorate degrees. Spouses of international students at other levels of study will no longer be eligible.

6) Cost of Living Information:

The new cost of living requirement of $20,635(previously $10,000), on top of the first year’s tuition and travel expenses for Canada study permits, has come into effect for all applicants applying on or after January 1, 2024. The number of accompanied family members with an international student raises the required living expenses.

Conclusion:

These new rules are aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the Canadian student visa system, ensuring the well-being of international students, and creating a sustainable path forward for their academic endeavors in Canada. Prospective international students need to be aware of these updates and plan their applications accordingly to have a smooth and successful study experience in Canada.

By staying informed and understanding these new regulations, international students can better prepare for their academic journey in Canada, ensuring a positive and enriching experience while abiding by the updated requirements.