The year 2025 will see huge changes to Canada’s work permit and study visa regulations regarding international students and foreign workers. These changes will attempt to control the influx of temporary residents while solving situations on housing, health care needs, and labor market issues.
Changes to Open Work Permits for Family Members
Starting January 21, 2025, IRCC shall set new open work permit eligibility criteria for spouses of international students and foreign workers. The new provisions stipulate that only spouses of international students in specific programs and of foreign workers in specific occupations can obtain open work permits. These changes are designed as part of increased measures announced in September 2024 to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s temporary resident programs.
Caps on Study Permits Have Been Introduced
Canada has put the cap on study permits again for the second year to better manage the number of international students. In its recently announced cap on study permits for 2025, Canada would limit the permits to 437,000, a 10 percent reduction from 2024. This measure aims to alleviate pressures put by the recent upswing in population growth on housing, healthcare, and other services.
SDS Paused
In an unprecedented deviation, the IRCC has put an abrupt hold on the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. This was fast-tracking the processing of applications for 14 countries, mainly those originating in India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. This hold is one among many measures aimed toward streamlining the admission of international students and thus lessen the impact on housing and infrastructure.
Impact on Applicants
Prospective international student applicants and foreign workers planning to come to Canada should be aware of these changes and plan for them. It is essential to stay informed on the latest policies and ensure all eligibility criteria are met before applying for study permits or work permits.
These adjustments to the policies reflect Canada’s dilemma between maximizing the benefits of international talent and managing its limited resources and infrastructure.
