Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Policy Changes
Increased Financial Requirements
Minimum cost-of-living funds doubled: $10,000 -> $20,635
Study Permit Cap Introduced
2024 approvals capped at 360,000 (35% decrease from 2023)
Spousal Open Work Permit Changes
No longer available for spouses of college and undergrad students
Further Study Permit Reduction
2025 permits reduced by additional 10% from 2024 levels
PGWP Criteria Tightened
Post Graduate Work Permit eligibility limited to programs linked to long-term labor shortages
Expedited Study Permit Processing Ends
Student Direct Stream closed; significant impact on key markets (e.g. India, Vietnam)