Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is further reducing the total study permits, changing the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) and limiting work permit eligibility.
The changes are part of the IRCC’s goal to decrease temporary residents from 6.5 per cent of the total population down to 5 per cent. According to a September 18 press release, the changes aim to “uphold the integrity of our immigration system and protect vulnerable people.”
The cap on international student study permits is reducing from 485,000 to 437,000 for the 2025/26 academic year.
Starting November 1, international students applying for the PGWP will now be required to attain a minimum of level 7 in the CLB language test or equivalent in order to receive their permit.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller said, “we know that people that speak the language are better equipped to succeed in Canadian society.”
“The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to — just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to,” said Miller.
Work permit eligibility will also be limited to spouses of master’s students whose programs are at least 16 months long.
“Our immigration system must preserve its integrity, and be well managed and sustainable. And as we look forward, we will do everything it takes to achieve that goal and set newcomers up for success,” said Miller.
This is the newest of a series of reforms that have been announced over the past year. Other recent reforms include increasing the minimum financial requirement for international student visas from $10,000 to $20,635.
In a statement to The Ubyssey, then-Acting Senior Director of UBC Media Relations Matthew Ramsey wrote, “we are concerned that changes to Canadian immigration policy that impact all post-secondary institutions could erode Canada’s global reputation as a destination of choice for international students.”
Ramsey also wrote, “UBC takes a strategic, prudent, and data-informed approach to … [the] university’s recruitment strategy … This approach has ensured UBC remains in a balanced financial position.”
“UBC remains a welcoming and supportive environment for students from around the world and the university continues to encourage accomplished students to come study on our campuses.”
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