New Restrictions on Canadian Work Permits: Will It Affect Your Immigration Goals?

Canada has recently introduced changes to its international work permit system aimed at reducing the number of immigrant workers. The Canadian government plans to issue 35% fewer international student permits this year, with an additional 10% reduction expected next year. The changes include limiting low-wage temporary foreign workers and reducing the duration of their work terms.

Canada is also tightening its visa-issuance process to curb fraudulent asylum claims and abuse of the immigration system. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the need for businesses to invest in Canadian workers while adjusting the immigration system to reflect the current labor market.

In 2024, Canada issued around 485,000 student permits, down from over 500,000 in 2023. This number is expected to further decrease to 437,000 by 2025, with a significant impact on students applying for Postgraduate Work Permits (PGWPs).

New Restrictions on PGWP

The government plans to reduce PGWPs by 1.75 lakh over the next three years through stricter rules. Spouse work permits will also be reduced by 50,000 and will only be granted if the partner is pursuing a master's program of at least 16 months. Additionally, international students must now pass a language proficiency test known as the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), with a score of 7 required for university undergraduates and 5 for college undergraduates. Previously, this test was only required for Permanent Residency (PR) applications.

Graduates from public college programs related to fields facing long-term labor shortages in Canada will still be eligible for PGWPs. For students enrolling in master’s and doctoral programs, a provincial attestation letter (PAL) is now mandatory, a condition previously applicable only to undergraduate students.

Challenges for Students

Students who completed diploma programs in fields like business administration and IT may face challenges in finding work that aligns with Canada's evolving job market needs. This may lead to a decline in enrollment at Canadian colleges offering such courses unless new programs are introduced. However, students with skills in areas experiencing labor shortages, such as plumbing, AI, machine learning, and healthcare, still have good opportunities for securing work permits.

Alternatives for Students

With Canada reducing its intake of international students, emerging destinations like Germany, Singapore, Italy, and Ireland may become more appealing options for Indian students seeking higher education. These countries are growing in popularity due to their evolving educational opportunities and favorable immigration policies.