Canada to cut international student permits by 10% in 2025; brings new language norms

NEW DELHI: In another blow for students from India, Canada is further tightening rules for international students and temporary workers to cut down on the increasing number of temporary residents. According to a release from the Justin Trudeau government, the key changes include a 10% reduction in study permits for 2025, stricter work permit rules, and new language requirements for post-graduation work permits.

The announcement comes as Prime Minister Trudeau seeks to reduce the number of temporary residents in the country, including international students and foreign workers, ahead of the federal elections scheduled to be held next year.

“We're granting 35% fewer international student permits this year. And next year, that number's going down by another 10%," PM Trudeau posted on X.

Currently, 4.27 lakh Indian students are studying in Canada, as per data provided by the ministry of external affairs in August 2024 and a total of 13.35 lakh Indian students are enrolled in various international institutions. With the reduction in study permits to 4.37 lakh for 2025, the number of Indian students studying in Canada is likely to decrease.

Canada approved 5,09,390 study permits in 2023, according to immigration department data, and 1,75,920 in the first seven months of 2024, a Reuters report stated.

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Study in Canada: Study permits, language norms

The Canadian government is cutting down on the number of study permits issued to 4,37,000 in 2025 to manage the rising number of temporary residents. Graduates from public colleges will still be eligible for a postgraduate work permit (PGWP) of up to three years if their field of study is linked to long-term labour shortages.

However, starting November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants will need to meet new language proficiency requirements. University graduates will need to demonstrate a Canadian language benchmark (CLB) level 7, while college graduates will require a CLB 5. This is intended to help international graduates better transition to permanent residency and succeed in the changing job market.

“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. We are taking action to strengthen our temporary residence programs and roll out a more comprehensive immigration plan to meet the demands of today’s changing landscape,” said Marc Miller, Canadian minister of immigration.

New Canada rules: Spouses, advanced students

In addition to study permit caps, new rules for spouses of foreign workers and students will be introduced in Canada. Only spouses of foreign workers in “professional roles or sectors with labour shortages” will be eligible for work permits. For master’s degree students, spouses will only qualify if the student’s program is at least 16 months in duration.

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Moreover, from 2025, master’s and doctoral students will need to submit an attestation letter from their province or territory when applying for a study permit.

Around 12% of study permit spaces will be reserved for these advanced students due to their importance in filling labour market gaps, the Canadian government release said.

These changes are expected to reduce the number of Indian students coming to Canada and may create additional challenges for those seeking education and employment opportunities in the country. Canada insists that these reforms are essential for maintaining the integrity of its immigration system and meeting the economic needs.

Recently, Indian students in Canada took to the streets protesting against the new immigration rules. Protestors argue that the new measures will adversely affect their educational and career prospects. They are asking for reconsideration of the policies.