Canada’s international student landscape is shifting dramatically. With visa cuts causing a 54% drop in applications, Canada is now ranked 3rd behind the U.S. and U.K. 🎓 The new rules mean only graduates from specific programs tied to labor shortages can qualify for post-graduation work permits.

💡 “There aren’t enough Canadian students to fill programs, especially in trades and healthcare,” highlighting the growing gap in critical fields.

📉 Students worldwide are rethinking their journey in Canada, now questioning the country's ability to handle the demand it once encouraged.

Important Update for International Students in Canada 🚨

IRCC has ended “grandfathering” for international students who need to extend their study permits. If students change their program of study from what’s listed on their original letter of acceptance and now require a permit extension, they will lose your ‘grandfathered’ status for programs not on PGWP Eligible list.

If you are an international student who is considering changing your program and will need a study permit extension, you must ensure you are well aware of the rules and be guided accordingly so you can make informed decisions; to maintain your ability to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) post studies.

This update follows the new PGWP rules introduced on November 1, which limit eligible programs to specific fields determined by the government.

💡 Students should carefully evaluate the impact of program changes on their eligibility for post-graduation work permits.

The Government of British Columbia announced that the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) is set to conduct its final immigration draw of 2024 on December 10, focusing on Skilled Workers and Entry Level & Semi-Skilled streams.

While these streams will continue accepting registrations for future invitations, the Health Authority stream remains open for applications.

Additionally, the International Post-Graduate stream will continue accepting applications from eligible international students until January 7, 2025, at 9 am, provided they meet the eligibility criteria as of December 31, 2024.

📢To provide more certainty to refugees abroad and sponsors in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily stopped accepting new applications from groups of five and community sponsors under the PSR Program as of November 29, 2024.
➡️This measure, which will remain in effect until December 31, 2025, will help prevent further growth in the application inventory, with the goal of achieving shorter and more predictable processing times for applicants and for sponsors.