Canada To Slash International Student Permits, Tighten Work Visa Rules

The Canadian government announced a 10% reduction in the intake cap for international student study permits for 2025, alongside stricter eligibility requirements for work permits.

This decision is part of an effort to manage the growing number of temporary residents and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, stated, “We are taking action to strengthen our temporary residence programs and roll out a more comprehensive immigration plan to meet the demands of today’s changing landscape.”

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The new cap will decrease the number of international student permits from 485,000 to 437,000 for 2025, with plans to stabilize this figure for 2026. The government also plans to revise the Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme, aligning it more closely with labor market needs.

Additionally, eligibility for work permits will be limited to spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months, and to spouses of foreign workers in high-demand sectors.

Miller emphasized, “Our immigration system must preserve its integrity and be well-managed and sustainable,” reflecting the government’s commitment to responding to evolving economic conditions while prioritizing Canadian workers.

The changes come as Canada seeks to reduce the proportion of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of its total population by 2026.

This reform aims to ensure that the immigration system supports both the economy and the well-being of newcomers.

Further details on these measures will be released in the upcoming 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, set to be published by November 1, 2024.