Starting in 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a series of new regulations for international student transfers, clarifying situations that require reapplication for study permits and outlining how to maintain eligibility for PGWP after transferring. Notably, IRCC has also implemented temporary transition measures for students transferring between January and May 2025, allowing them to start at their new institution before the new permit is approved. This report provides an in-depth analysis of application requirements, procedures, fees, and PGWP considerations.

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced an expansion of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible programs, adding several new education-related fields. This adjustment provides international students with more opportunities for employment and immigration in Canada and supports the long-term labor market needs of the country.

In 2024, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented several significant adjustments to the policies for international students and Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP). These changes aim to mitigate the pressure on social resources caused by the rapid growth of temporary residents by limiting the number of international students and tightening application standards. This article provides an in-depth analysis of these policy changes, their specific impact on international students, and future trends.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that, effective November 8, 2024, international students holding a study permit must apply for a new study permit when transferring between post-secondary institutions (DLI). For students planning to transfer to a new institution for the winter or spring 2025 term, the policy permits continued study under specific conditions. This article outlines the key points of the new policy and its implementation details to help international students adapt to the changes.

A recent study revealed that international students at the University of Waterloo earn significantly higher average salaries after graduation compared to domestic students. These earnings surpass not only their peers at the university but also the national average. The study attributes this success to degrees in technology and engineering and the university’s robust co-op program. Furthermore, approximately 70% of international students choose to become permanent residents, highlighting their recognition of opportunities for long-term development in Canada.

With adjustments to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policies, some international graduates may no longer qualify for this program. However, this does not mean they lack opportunities to continue working in Canada. In fact, Canada offers various work permit pathways to help graduates maintain legal work status.

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller, recently announced that a series of new regulations for international students came into effect on November 15. These changes include extending the number of off-campus work hours for students during their academic terms and modifying the process for transferring between Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).

On November 8th, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it will no longer accept study permit applications submitted through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Additionally, the Nigeria Student Express (NSE) program for Nigerian students has also been discontinued. Going forward, all international students must apply for a Canadian study permit through the standard application process.

The changes to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which will take effect on November 1, 2024, will have a significant impact on international students who wish to work in Canada after graduation. The new language and field of study requirements, particularly for students submitting study permit applications after the deadline, add extra considerations.

Canada is considering implementing a cap on the number of international students it admits, in response to its ongoing housing affordability crisis. In 2023, a record high of nearly one million students were admitted, coinciding with a significant increase in Canadian rent prices, which rose by 22% over the last two years due to a housing shortage