Canada is implementing significant changes to its international student policies in 2025 to address issues like housing shortages, strained infrastructure, and labor market challenges. Here’s an overview of the key updates:
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1. Study Permit Caps and Provincial Attestation
• Caps on New Study Permits: A national limit on the number of study permits will now be in place, with allocations divided among provinces based on population. For example, Ontario, with 39% of Canada’s population, will receive a proportional share of the study permits.
• Provincial Attestation Letter: Applicants will need a letter from their province confirming their inclusion in the provincial cap. This system will add an extra step for students applying for permits and may cause delays in processing
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2. Revised Off-Campus Work Limits
• Eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week during school terms, up from the previous 20 hours. Full-time work during breaks (e.g., summer) remains allowed
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3. Restrictions on School Transfers
• Students transferring between designated learning institutions (DLIs) will require a new study permit before changing schools. Failing to do so could result in a breach of permit conditions
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4. Changes to Spousal Work Permits
• Spouses of international students in doctoral, master’s, or specialized programs will no longer automatically qualify for open work permits. Exceptions will remain for spouses of workers in critical sectors like healthcare and engineering
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5. Prioritizing High-Demand Fields
• Canada will focus on attracting students in fields aligned with labor market needs, such as technology and healthcare. Graduate students and those pursuing specialized training will see a higher priority in visa processing
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Implications for Students
These changes are expected to increase competition for study permits, especially at the undergraduate level. Prospective students should carefully align their study plans with priority fields and consider the additional processing requirements when planning to study in Canada.
For further details and updates, visit the official IRCC website.
What are the new rules for international students in Canada in 2025?