New Rules for Study Permit/PGWP/SOWP

Hello World! Today, we would like to provide information on significant changes to the International Student Programs and Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on September 18, 2024.

Details of New Restrictions

The announcement made by IRCC includes the following changes:

(Please click here to read our previous article on changes to the International Student Programs.)

Study Permit：

1. The number of new Study Permits issued to international students in 2025 and 2026 is expected to be 437,000, a 10% reduction from the 2024 target of 485,000 new Study Permits issued.
2. Approximately 12% of the number of Study Permits issued in 2025-2026 will be reserved for master’s and doctoral students. These students will now have to submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)：

1. All applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for university graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates will be required for anyone applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) on or after November 1, 2024.  Please check here to find your language level.
2.  Graduates from programs at public colleges will remain eligible for a PGWP of up to three years if the student graduates from a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage.

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)：

1. Later this year, the eligibility for Open Work Permits for spouses of master’s degree students will be limited to only those whose program is at least 16 months long. This means that spouses of master’s degree students enrolled in programs of less than 16 months are not eligible for a SOWP.
2. Later this year, the eligibility for Open Work Permits for spouses of foreign workers will also be restricted. SOWPs will be limited only to spouses of foreign workers in managerial or professional occupations or in sectors with labour shortage under Canada’s Work Permit programs.

For more information on this announcement, please check the link below.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/09/strengthening-temporary-residence-programs-for-sustainable-volumes.html?utm_source=IRCCSM&utm_medium=X&utm_campaign=News+Release&utm_term=TR

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As mentioned above, the number of Study Permits issued, PGWP and SOWP application requirements will be strengthened. This is likely to have a significant impact on international students, foreign workers, and their families.

Both existing and prospective students and those who plan to apply for a SOWP must be aware of the new regulations and prepare each application carefully.

If you have any concerns about your application, please feel free to contact us here.

“You are one step closer to Canada!”