Canada study abroad news update 2024

Important changes regarding Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), language requirements, and priority fields of study. Learn about the latest residency priorities and adjustments from Canada’s 2025-2027 Immigration Target Plan.

Key changes in PGWP policies for international students in Canada

The PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) is a work permit granted by Canada to international students who complete their studies at eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada. Following new policies announced by IRCC for international students, as well as updated PGWP conditions, students and parents have been very concerned. Additionally, a lot of conflicting information has left students unclear on whether they are affected by the new policies. Let’s clarify these changes with LOA Portal!

If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024

• Graduates from universities will need an English or French certificate with a CLB/NCLC 7 in all skills.
• Graduates from colleges will need an English or French certificate with a CLB/NCLC 5 in all skills.

If you submit your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024

a) Graduates from Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral programs at universities:

•  Must have an English or French certificate with CLB/NCLC 7 in all skills.
• No restrictions on field of study.

b) Graduates from other university programs:

• Must have an English or French certificate with CLB/NCLC 7 in all skills.
• Limited to the eligible fields of study below.

c) Graduates from colleges or other non-listed programs:

• Must have an English or French certificate with CLB/NCLC 5 in all skills.
• Limited to the eligible fields of study below.

Important notes

a) Language certificates must be issued within two years of the application submission date. Accepted certificates include:

• CELPIP - General
• IELTS - General
• PTE - Core
• TEF Canada
• TCF Canada

b) Eligible fields of study for restricted programs include

• Agriculture and agri-food
• Healthcare
• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics
• Trade
• Transport 

Who is not affected by this policy?

• The basic requirements and geographical location requirements for international students during their studies remain applicable.
• Graduation from an eligible Designated Learning Institution is still required.
• PGWP applications submitted before November 1, 2024, are unaffected by the new regulations.
• PGWP applications from eligible Aviation schools will remain unaffected, even if submitted after November 1, 2024.
• International students who submitted their Study Permit before November 1, 2024, or who are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral program at a university will not be restricted by field of study for PGWP eligibility.

Canada announces significant reduction in immigration targets for 2025-2027 

At a press conference on October 24, 2024, in Ottawa, Immigration Minister Marc Miller and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the latest changes to Canada’s overall immigration system plan (2025-2027). This is also the first time the Immigration Levels Plan includes targets to control the number of temporary residents, specifically international students and foreign workers. Previously, the plan only aimed to control numbers for permanent residents and long-term residents.

Compared to the Immigration Levels Plan announced at the end of 2023:

• 2025 targets have been reduced from 500,000 to 395,000 permanent residents.
• 2026 targets have been reduced from 500,000 to 380,000 permanent residents.
• 2027 targets aim for 365,000 permanent residents.

Canada also aims to reduce the number of temporary residents (international students and foreign workers) to only 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2026.

In summary, Canada remains an attractive destination for international students, offering work and residency opportunities after graduation, particularly through the PGWP program. Canada will continue to focus on priority groups in fields that support long-term economic growth, such as Healthcare and Trades, and on temporary residents with French language skills. These high-demand fields provide great opportunities for those with expertise, motivating international students to choose Canada as a destination for study and career development.