The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently implemented significant changes to study and work permits. These restrictions aim to streamline the immigration process but may present new challenges for international students and workers. These changes aim to combat Canada’s strain and growing demand for housing and other resources and to better manage the growing number of foreign students and workers entering the country.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key changes, what they mean for current and prospective applicants, and how to navigate these updates to maintain compliance with Canadian immigration policies.
New Rules for International Students & Workers Announced
In January 2024, it was announced that the number of study permits being issued would drop by 35% compared to 2023. The number of permits issued for 2025 will drop 10% further. Each province and territory will have a cap on the number of new international students enrolled in their undergraduate programs, especially provinces which have seen the most growth in international students.
It’s important to note that existing international students who are renewing their Canadian study permits will not be affected by these changes. If you are an international student pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, you also will not be affected.
International Students Enrolling in Undergraduate Programs Will Find it Harder to Obtain a Study Permit
If you’re looking to enroll in an undergraduate program (bachelor’s degree, diploma or certificate program), specifically in Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia, you will face more challenges and more competition. Additionally, every study permit application submitted to IRCC will also require an attestation letter from a province or territory. These temporary measures will be in place for two years, after which the Government of Canada will continue to work with provinces and territories and designated learning institutions to determine adequate, long-term solutions.
Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permits & Spousal Open Work Permits
Beginning September 1, 2024, international students who start a study program offered by a private college as part of a curriculum licensing agreement will not be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation. As stated on the Government of Canada website, these new rules hope to ensure genuine students receive the support they need to succeed in Canada’s job market while also alleviating the pressures on the housing crisis, health care, and more.
Additionally, as of June 1, 2024, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a PGWP at their port of entry (border or airport). This was initially introduced as a way to expedite foreign nationals’ applications, however, it put unnecessary strain on border officers and is no longer taking place.
It is also very important to note that spouses of international students enrolled in undergraduate and other college programs will no longer be eligible for open work permits. They will only be available to spouses of master’s and doctoral students and students enrolled in professional programs.
How International Workers Will be Affected
In August 2020, the IRCC introduced a new policy to help visitors who were unable to leave the country due to COVID-19 pandemic–related travel restrictions by allowing them to apply for a Canadian work permit without having to leave the country. Foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but who changed their status in Canada to visitor could also apply to work in Canada while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application. This has now ended six months early (it was aimed to end in February 2025) to preserve the integrity of the immigration system, tighten rules around temporary work, and prevent misuse. Work permits submitted before August 28, 2024, will still be processed.
Other Changes Announced
Major changes were also made regarding the low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) stream in hopes of “tightening the program by reducing employer use and decreasing the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada.” Note that low-wage LMIA applications filed before Sept. 26 will be assessed under the prior rules. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will refuse to process low-wage LMIAs where the job is located in a census metropolitan area where unemployment is 6% or more unless there is a sectoral exemption, therefore, employers need to confirm if the work location is in a census metropolitan area. As of September 2024, the majority of census metropolitan areas in Canada, including most of the largest cities, have an unemployment rate of 6% or more. Additionally, the maximum duration for the period of employment for workers hired under low-wage LMIAs will be one year (reduced from 2 years.)
As of November 8, 2024, foreign workers entering Canada through the high-wage stream under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will experience an increase in the minimum wage by 20% over the current median wage for their province or territory. This raises the minimum wage threshold from $5 to $8, depending on the province or territory of work. Employers must prove their business and the job offer is legitimate, however, the government announced that as of October 28, 2024, businesses can no longer use attestations from professional accountants or lawyers to prove business legitimacy. According to the federal government, these changes may result in “34,000 positions moving from the high-wage stream to the more stringent rules of the low-wage stream.”
Do You Need Help Navigating These Changes?
Oftentimes, navigating the world of work permits and study permits can be challenging for many, and with these new changes made in 2024, it can make things even more confusing. If you need help navigating these changes or have questions about how you can ensure you’re staying compliant with regulations, our Immigration team can help you. Oro Immigration Services is a dedicated team whose goal is to ensure you reach your goals, whether that’s through obtaining a work permit (open work permit, PGWP, bridging open work permit, or LMIA work permit), study permit, visa, permanent residency, spousal sponsorship, or more. We understand that each case is as unique as you and we work hard to get you to where you want to be.
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