In 2025, Canada implemented significant changes to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program and study visa regulations, aiming to attract a diverse range of international students and address labor market needs.
Key Updates:
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Removal of Field of Study Requirements for PGWP:
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Graduates from college bachelor’s programs are now eligible for the PGWP, regardless of their field of study. This change allows a broader spectrum of international students to gain Canadian work experience post-graduation.
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Introduction of Study Permit Caps:
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has set a cap of 437,000 study permits for 2025, a 10% decrease from the previous year. This measure aims to balance the number of international students with available resources and infrastructure.
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Clarifications on PGWP Eligibility:
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Students who applied for study permits before November 1, 2024, are exempt from the new PGWP restrictions, ensuring that those already in the process are not adversely affected by the recent changes.
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Implications for International Students:
These updates provide more flexibility for international students, particularly those pursuing diverse fields of study, to gain valuable work experience in Canada. However, prospective students should be mindful of the new study permit cap and plan their applications accordingly.
