What Are the New Requirements for Canada’s International Student Visa in 2025?

Have you ever thought of studying abroad, in a whole new country, making new friends, and whatnot? You have, right?  Studying abroad is a dream come true for every student looking for higher studies.

And which place can be better than Canada? Canada is a great place to study and a great place to start your career as well. All thanks to its world-class education system that provides multiple opportunities to you after completing your post-graduation. 

This is the reason the demand for education in Canada has increased over the last few years. But this increase in demand is now causing trouble, trouble finding accommodation, and other resources.

That is why, now the government of Canada has upgraded the rules for students seeking admission in Canada. But, don’t worry we got you. We will let you know every detail so you get a successful visa.  

In this blog, we will discuss all the essentials and a complete guide on Canada’s international student visa.

Know every detail, with this complete guide.  Read it till the end and apply the steps to make your dream come true, successfully!

Temporary Study Permit Cap in Canada

If you have made up your mind to study abroad, that too in Canada, you need to keep up with the recent changes. To start with, the application process for Canadian visas has almost changed. 

With the new rules and regulations that the Canadian government has imposed. Now every student needs a minimum of 2 year cap to get a student permit. 

Let me take you on a short drive to what a permit cap is, and how it will impact your student life in Canada.

Study permit Cap for 2024 and 2025

• As we have already discussed earlier, from 2024 every student will have to get a minimum of two-year cap to study in Canada. This is to ensure that only a limited number of students get admission to Canada. Hence, no more crowding.
• This rule will nearly reduce international student’s study permit by 35% in the next 2 years.
• Furthermore, you will notice an increased competition for admission to Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Especially if you want to study in Ontario, British Columbia, or Nova Scotia.
• Also, there’s good news too! If you’re a student and want admission for post-graduation, or doctoral degrees, you don’t need this 2-year cap. This also includes existing students, who are already studying before 2024.

So, now taking admission in Canadian universities, grabbing a seat at one of the prestigious ones won’t be an easy task. Not as easy as it was a few months back. So, you need to study hard, and meet all the requirements for admission, if you really want to sound proud.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program Updates

PGWP is nothing but a permit that allows you to work for anyone but only after completing the eligibility criteria at a designated learning institution (DLI).

However, from 1st November 2024, the government has changed the rule for work permits. If you’re a graduate of a public college and want to work in Canada under PGWP.  You need to study in any field related to labour occupation, or else you can’t. 

However, there’s an advantage for graduate students. If you have graduated with bachelors, master’s, or even doctoral degrees, you are still eligible for PGWP for the next 3 years!

Changes to Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Eligibility

As the name suggests, it is for spouses and spouses of international students.

From November 1st, 2024, Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility for spouses of international students has been restricted.

Now, the spouses of international students will only be permitted to work in Canada if their master’s program lasts for at least 16 months. 

Increased Financial Requirements for International Students in Canada

As per the new rules imposed by the Canadian government. If you want to continue your further studies in Canada, you need to have some financial requirements.  You need to have at least CAD$20,635 in addition to your first-year tuition fees, and travelling expenses. Let’s know further details about the financial resource requirements that you need to have for a successful visa.

• The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) which only required $10000 is now doubled. And you have to have at least $20,635. That means the cost of living for you, an international student, has increased a lot, now you have to pay more than double to study there.
• Students who belong to low-income countries, and are planning to study in Canada, will have to face challenges. GIC will restrict students, or limit access to higher education in Canada.

Impact of New Rules on International Students

Students who want admission to one of the universities in Canada will face a huge impact because of the new rules imposed by the government. The impact will not only offer you advantages, but also some disadvantages. 

Let’s get to know the advantages, and disadvantages it will provide you with:

Advantages

• The new rules will subsequently reduce student crowding in Canada. This will result in better housing conditions, as only fewer students who qualify for the eligibility criteria will move to Canada.
• Fewer students will form small class sizes, which is quite better. You will get better quality education and even more personalised academic environments.

Disadvantages

• The new rules require students to have higher financial resources. This is a major drawback, as students from low-income backgrounds will be denied access to education in Canada.
• Canada’s reputation as one of the top choices for international education will also suffer. Students will now opt for some other country like the US, or the UK which has a slightly better education system.

Conclusion

The new regulations imposed by the Canadian government are just to enhance their international education system. Which includes increased financial requirements, revised work, and spouse work permits. 

These changes are done to make sure that students and their families are well-prepared and adaptable to studying in Canada. In this blog, we discussed all the potential changes done by the government to ensure your personal, as well as professional development. 

Hope this blog has helped you, and you know the new requirements to gain a Canadian international visa. 

See you in the next blog!