IRCC Announces Major Changes to Study Permit and PGWP Eligibility

IRCC has just announced some significant changes to the study permit and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria, which will come into effect in the fall of 2024. These changes are designed to streamline the immigration process, improve the quality of education for international students, and better align with Canada's labor market needs.
Study Permit Changes
* Increased language proficiency requirements: International students applying for a study permit will now need to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in English or French. This means that students will need to score at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
* Tighter cap on study permit approvals: IRCC has implemented a cap on the number of study permits that can be approved each year. This cap will be set at 200,000 visas per year, and it is designed to ensure that only the most qualified students are able to come to Canada to study.
* Prioritization of students from specific countries: IRCC has identified a number of countries that will be prioritized for study permit approvals. These countries include China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines. This prioritization is intended to attract top students from around the world and help to meet Canada's labor market needs.
PGWP Changes
* Reduced eligibility for master's and PhD students: Under the new rules, master's and PhD students will only be eligible for a PGWP if they have studied at a university that is ranked in the top 50% of its field according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). This change is intended to ensure that PGWP holders have the skills and qualifications that are in demand in Canada's job market.
* Increased duration for PGWPs: IRCC has increased the maximum duration of PGWPs from three years to four years. This change will give PGWP holders more time to find a job and gain experience in Canada.
* Removal of the cap on PGWP renewals: IRCC has removed the cap on the number of times that PGWPs can be renewed. This means that PGWP holders can now apply for multiple renewals, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
These changes represent a significant shift in IRCC's approach to international students and PGWP holders. The new measures are designed to improve the quality of education for international students, streamline the immigration process, and better align with Canada's labor market needs.