On January 5, 2025, Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, announced his resignation, marking a major turning point in the country’s political landscape. Trudeau, known for his progressive policies, led Canada through a series of significant immigration reforms that impacted various sectors, including education. These policy changes, particularly in the realm of international student admissions, have significantly affected students from countries like India.
Cap on International Students and Financial Burdens
In early 2024, Canada introduced a cap on international student admissions, limiting the number of study permits issued for the year. While the international student population had surpassed 1 million by December 2023, only 3.6 lakh permits were approved in 2024—a 35% reduction compared to the previous year. Additionally, the government raised the financial requirements for applicants. The living expense requirement for a single applicant was doubled from $10,000 to $20,635, which posed a significant financial burden on prospective students.
Stricter Visa Rules and PGWP Eligibility Changes
The tightening of visa regulations in 2024 led to protests from thousands of Indian students who were concerned about increased uncertainty regarding their status in Canada. The Canadian government also made changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria, restricting students enrolled in programs at private colleges that partnered with public institutions from qualifying for a PGWP.
Suspension of the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
In November 2024, the Canadian government suspended the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a program that expedited visa processing for students from 14 countries, including India. The suspension of the SDS program resulted in longer visa processing times and decreased approval rates, disrupting the plans of thousands of students, particularly from India.
New Study Permit Rules and Extended Work Hours for International Students
In November 2024, new study permit rules were introduced, requiring international students to apply for a new permit if they intended to change their post-secondary institution. The International Student Program (ISP) regulations also made it mandatory for students to ensure that their new institution was on the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list. Additionally, the government increased the off-campus work limit for international students from 20 to 24 hours per week, offering more opportunities for work and experience.
Changes to Express Entry Policies
In December 2024, the Canadian government overhauled the Express Entry system, which governs immigration applications. A major change was the removal of additional points for having a job offer, aimed at curbing fraud. This new policy, set to take effect in spring 2025, is expected to affect both new applicants and international students transitioning from study permits to work permits.
Geopolitical Tensions and Delays in Visa Processing
Amid rising geopolitical tensions between India and Canada, visa processing delays became a significant issue in 2024. Diplomatic staff reductions led to slowdowns, particularly affecting regions like Punjab, where demand for Canadian education is high. Many students began reassessing their plans to study in Canada, citing increasing uncertainties.
