CHANGES TO TEMP.RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

For year 2025; Study permits Caps set at 437,000

Post Graduation work permit program aligned with immigration goals and labour market needs

Graduates from programs at public colleges will remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to three years if they graduate from a field of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage.

As part of changes to the PGWP Program, all applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English. This will increase their ability to transition to permanent residence and adapt to changing economic conditions. 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 on or after November 1, 2024.

The 2025–2026 study permit intake cap will include master’s and doctoral students who will now have to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter. We will be reserving approximately 12% of allocation spaces for these students in recognition of the benefits they bring to the Canadian labour market.

Work permit eligibility for Spouses of Master’s degree students whose program is atleast 16 months in duration

Work permit eligibility later this year to spouses of foreign workers in management or professional occupations or in sectors with labour shortages—under Canada’s work permit programs (TFWP and IMP)

Implementing a partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals

Improving claims processing while maintaining the fairness and integrity of the asylum system, as announced in 2024

Source: IRCC News Release : 18 Sept, 2024