Canada’s New Immigration Measures: Impact on International Students from India

Canada has long been a top destination for international students, including those from India, but recent immigration reforms are set to change the landscape for study abroad aspirants. In response to labor market shifts and post-pandemic economic recovery, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new measures aimed at managing the volume of temporary residents, including international students.

These changes are crucial for Indian students considering studying in Canada, as they directly affect study permits, work permit eligibility, and immigration pathways. Here’s what you need to know about how these changes will impact international students from India.

Key Changes in Canada’s International Student Program

Earlier this year, the Canadian government announced a reduction in the number of temporary residents, including students. By 2025, study permits will be capped at 437,000, a 10% decrease from the 2024 target of 485,000. This cap will remain steady in 2026, meaning fewer new international student permits will be issued, making the study permit process in Canada more competitive.

Updated Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program

One of the most significant updates is to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, which allows international students to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies. Starting in November 2024, all applicants must demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in English or French, with university graduates required to meet a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7, and college graduates needing CLB 5.

Graduates from public colleges in fields related to long-term labor shortages will still be eligible for a PGWP of up to three years, but this will only apply if their field of study aligns with Canada’s economic needs.

Spousal Work Permit Restrictions

For Indian students seeking to bring their families, there are new restrictions on work permit eligibility for spouses. Starting later this year, only spouses of master’s degree students in programs lasting at least 16 months and spouses of foreign workers in managerial or professional roles will be eligible for work permits. This could affect many Indian students who plan to relocate to Canada with their families.

Impact on Study Abroad Aspirants from India

The newly announced reduction in study permit allocations and more stringent requirements will impact Indian students looking to study in Canada. These measures will limit the number of new student visas issued each year, making it more important for Indian students to submit strong, well-prepared applications.

Additionally, the new language proficiency requirements for the PGWP Program mean that international students will need to demonstrate advanced English or French skills to be eligible for post-graduation work opportunities. This change aligns with Canada’s goal of creating a more sustainable immigration system that adapts to labor market needs.

The cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants was also updated in early 2024 to better reflect Canada’s rising living costs, ensuring that students can support themselves financially while studying and living in the country.

Benefits for Master’s and Doctoral Students

Despite these tighter restrictions, there are still opportunities for master’s and doctoral students from India. These students will now need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter as part of their study permit application, with approximately 12% of study permit allocation spaces reserved for them. This highlights the Canadian government’s recognition of the value that advanced degree students bring to the country’s labor market.

Long-Term Implications for Indian Students

As Canada reduces the intake of international students, Indian aspirants need to be more strategic in their applications. The higher language proficiency standards and competitive study permit allocations mean that students must be better prepared academically and financially. However, Canada’s focus on aligning immigration pathways with labor market needs continues to offer opportunities for students in high-demand fields.

If you are an Indian student planning to study abroad in Canada, now is the time to ensure your application meets the new requirements. With reduced visa intake and updated work permit policies, preparing a strong application has never been more crucial.

Article by IVS Solutions