Canada has long been a favored destination for Indian students seeking quality education and promising career opportunities abroad. The country’s welcoming immigration policies, diverse cultural landscape, and a well accepted Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program have historically attracted a significant number of international students, particularly from India.
However, 2024 witnessed a series of policy shifts and diplomatic tensions that have begun to alter this landscape, leading to a noticeable decline in interest among prospective students.
The diplomatic rift between India and Canada, which escalated in 2024, has introduced uncertainties in visa processing and overall student mobility. The reduction of diplomatic staff and the ensuing slowdown in visa services have particularly affected students from regions like Punjab, where there is a high demand for Canadian education opportunities. Concerns over potential disruptions to study plans have grown, with some students reconsidering their choices in light of these geopolitical tensions.
In 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented several changes to the PGWP program:
Curriculum Licensing Agreements: As of May 15, international students enrolled in programs offered through curriculum licensing agreements between private and public colleges became ineligible for PGWPs. This adjustment aimed to tighten the criteria for work permit eligibility, affecting students who had planned their education based on these collaborative programs.
Master’s Degree Graduates: Effective February 15, graduates from master’s programs, regardless of the program’s length, became eligible for three-year work permits. This change benefits those enrolled in shorter master’s programs, providing them with extended time to gain Canadian work experience and pursue permanent residency pathways.
Language Proficiency Requirements: Starting November 1, PGWP applicants are required to demonstrate language proficiency with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 for university graduates and 5 for college graduates. This new requirement underscores the emphasis on language skills for successful integration into the Canadian workforce.
Field of Study Restrictions: Announced on September 18, eligibility for PGWPs now necessitates that international students graduate from fields linked to occupations experiencing long-term shortages, such as agriculture, healthcare, STEM, trades, and transport. This policy, effective November 1, excludes college and vocational program graduates from other fields, potentially narrowing opportunities for many students.
The cost of living requirement for study permit applicants doubled on January 1, rising from $10,000 to $20,635 for a single applicant. This substantial increase adds a financial burden on prospective students, who must now demonstrate higher financial capacity in addition to covering tuition and travel expenses.
In addition to this, in order to manage the influx of international students, IRCC introduced an intake cap on study permit applications.
In 2024, the cap aimed for approximately 360,000 approved new study permits, marking a 35% decrease from 2023. This reduction was part of a broader strategy to balance educational resources and infrastructure with the number of incoming students. For 2025, a further 10% reduction from the 2024 target was announced, setting the issuance goal at 437,000 study permits.
The introduction of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) on January 22 requires most post-secondary study permit applicants to obtain a PAL as proof of credible admission, aligning with the new intake caps. Additionally, as of November 15, international students wishing to change institutions must apply for a new study permit, replacing the previous, more flexible system.
The temporary allowance for unlimited off-campus work hours, introduced during the pandemic, ended on April 29. The permissible work hours were subsequently adjusted. In the period prior to November 15:, International students were limited to 20 hours of off-campus work per week during academic sessions. However, after November 15, this limit increased to 24 hours per week, offering students slightly more flexibility to support themselves financially while maintaining their academic commitments.
Changes implemented on March 19 limited spousal open work permits to spouses of international students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs. Exceptions were made for certain undergraduate professional degrees. Further restrictions announced in September, yet to take effect, propose limiting eligibility to spouses of master’s students in programs of at least 16 months’ duration.
Looking ahead to 2025, the cumulative effect of these policy changes, combined with ongoing diplomatic tensions, is likely to further reshape the global perception of Canada as a study destination. With stricter eligibility criteria for work permits, increased financial requirements, and reduced flexibility in study permit regulations, Canada may witness a continued decline in international student interest.
