The Canadian Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, revealed a set of new policies today aimed at managing the number of temporary residents in Canada. With these updates, the government intends to lower the proportion of temporary residents from 6.5% of the total population to 5% by 2026. Minister Miller noted that the number of temporary residents has grown significantly in recent years, making it necessary to implement additional changes to the country’s immigration policies.
Stricter Measures for Temporary Residents
In a statement, Minister Miller emphasized that Canada’s immigration system must be carefully managed and sustainable. “Not everyone who wishes to come to Canada will be able to do so, and not all who want to stay will be able to remain here,” he said. The minister underscored the importance of these new actions in preserving the integrity of Canada’s temporary residence programs and meeting the evolving needs of the country.
Background on the Policy Changes
These new measures build on earlier regulations introduced in January 2024, which included a national cap on study permits. Initially, this cap was expected to reduce the number of new permits by 35% compared to 2023, but current data suggests the reduction is likely to be higher. Several policies were also introduced in early 2024, such as the removal of spousal work permits for students enrolled in non-graduate or professional programs, and the exclusion of graduates from Ontario’s public-private colleges from eligibility for post-graduation work permits (PGWP).
Students applying for study permits now need to provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) confirming their admission to an approved program. This is designed to ensure that educational institutions do not exceed their allocated number of study spaces. These policies were introduced partly in response to concerns over housing affordability and healthcare availability, both of which have been linked to the rising number of temporary migrants in Canada.
Study Permit Cap Set for Future Years
In an announcement today, Minister Miller clarified that the current cap on study permits would remain in place for the coming years. The cap will be set 10% below the 2024 level, reducing the number of permits issued in 2025 and 2026 to approximately 437,000 each year. This marks a continued effort to manage the flow of international students into Canada.
Graduate Students to be Included in the Cap
A significant change for 2025 and 2026 is that master’s and PhD students will now be included in the study permit cap, a departure from previous years when they were exempt. Minister Miller explained that about 12% of the total allocation of study spaces will be reserved for these graduate-level students, recognizing the valuable contributions they make to Canada’s workforce.
Limits on Post-Graduation Work Rights for College Graduates
Another key change impacts post-graduation work permits (PGWP). While degree graduates will continue to be eligible for up to three years of post-study work, international students in college diploma or certificate programs will face stricter criteria. Starting from October 1, 2024, college graduates will only qualify for a PGWP if their work is related to high-demand labor sectors, as determined by the provincial or territorial authorities.
Spousal Work Permits to Be Restricted
Starting later this year, spouses or partners of students enrolled in master’s programs lasting less than 16 months will no longer be eligible for open work permits. Previously, spouses of graduate students had the right to work while their partners studied in Canada, but this is being limited to longer programs.
Language Proficiency Requirements for PGWP Applicants
As of November 1, 2024, all applicants for post-graduation work permits will need to meet new language proficiency requirements in either French or English. Graduates from university programs will need to demonstrate Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7, while college graduates must meet CLB level 5. These new language criteria aim to improve applicants’ chances of transitioning to permanent residency and adapting to the evolving economic landscape.
With these changes, the Canadian government is tightening controls over temporary residence and study permits to better manage immigration levels. These updates, especially the inclusion of graduate students in the study permit cap and the new work permit restrictions, are set to reshape the opportunities available for international students in Canada, while addressing broader concerns about housing and healthcare capacity.
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