Canada has revamped the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility list as of June 25, 2025, impacting international students in non-degree
# New rules for post-graduation work permit (PGWP): What you need to know about the field of study requirement. As of November 1, 2024, a new field of study requirement was introduced for some international students to be eligible for a PGWP. The Government of Canada has updated the rules to align eligible study programs with long-term labour market needs. This blog will help you understand which programs are eligible, explore in-demand job prospects, and discover study programs across Canada. * You are studying in a college diploma, certificate, or a non-degree university program. If you are affected by the field of study requirement, you must have graduated from a program that’s on the list of currently eligible Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes when you submit your PGWP application. A CIP code is a 6-digit number used to classify post-secondary education programs according to the field of study. To find your program’s CIP code, you can:.
# Canada student visa requirements in 2025: What’s changed and what hasn’t. Applying to study in Canada in 2025? There have been some big updates to the student visa process, including changes to how much money you need to show, new rules for work permits, and updates on which schools are eligible. Here’s what’s new, what’s stayed the same, and how to avoid common mistakes when applying for your study permit this year. ## What’s changed in 2025? For applications on/after Sept 1, 2025, you now need to show access to at least CA$22,895 in addition to your first-year tuition when applying for a study permit. If you plan to stay and work in Canada after graduation, or pursue international student internships, these changes are worth a close look. However, it’s now even more important to check that your school is not just a DLI, but one that qualifies for PGWP access if post-study work is part of your goal.
After a steep rise in international student arrivals to Canada over the past decade, the federal government took unprecedented action beginning in 2024 to limit the number of student visa permits for international students to post-secondary institutions. Next year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue a total of **408,000 study permits** – this includes newly arriving international students as well as extensions. As of January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students enrolled at public designated learning institutions will not need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter with their study permit application, meaning they are exempt from the cap. Many in the post-secondary sector believe that successive federal policy changes affecting study and work permits have tarnished Canada’s reputation as a study destination and caused uncertainty for prospective international students, leading to decreased enrolment. The government plans to provide $1.7 billion over 13 years to the granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation to recruit international researchers, doctoral students and post-doctoral students to relocate to Canada.
As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary international students don't need a co-op work permit for student work placements such as co-op placements
Co-op work permits allow certain students to gain valuable work experience in Canada during their study program. Learn more about these Canadian work permits.
Effective January 21, 2025, family members of international students and foreign workers face increased restrictions to the eligibility criteria for obtaining an open work permit (“OWP”). ## Spouses of foreign workers. Eligibility for family member(s) to obtain an OWP will be limited to spouses of foreign workers who are employed in:. Fortunately, these benefits will be largely unaffected by these changes, as spouses of individuals who hold a work permit through a free trade agreement will still be eligible for OWP, regardless of the TEER level of their occupation. Like spouses of foreign workers who hold free-trade agreement based work permits, spouses of foreign workers transitioning to permanent residency will also be exempt from these changes and will remain eligible for an OWP. As of January 21, 2025, the dependent minor children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for OWPs. This is the case regardless of foreign worker parent’s occupation and TEER level.
We can assist you and communicate with you at your convenience via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or by telephone. # Understanding IRCC’s Updated Financial Requirements for Study Permits (2025). Home » Blog » Understanding IRCC’s Updated Financial Requirements for Study Permits (2025). Planning to study in Canada? One of the most important—and often misunderstood—requirements is proof of financial support. Whether you’re applying for a study permit for the first time or preparing to extend your stay, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires applicants to demonstrate that they can support themselves and their accompanying family members while in Canada. As of 2024 and continuing into 2025, IRCC has updated the minimum financial thresholds for study permit applicants. What Is Proof of Financial Support? To qualify for a study permit, you must prove you can cover:. * Cost of living for yourself and any accompanying family members. For example, a student coming with a spouse and one child must show funds of:. Accepted Documents for Financial Proof.