September Immigration Updates

Wednesday’s announcements by Ministers Marc Miller and Randy Boissonnault introduced further changes to Canada’s International Student Program.

Some of the policies will increase compliance requirements, while others will have minimal impact on DLIs that are already positioning themselves to address Canada’s employment gaps and provide support services for their international students.

Key Announcements from the Press Conference

• Reduction in Study Permits: Starting in 2025 and through 2026, the number of international study permits will be capped at 437,000 with 12% of available spots allocated to Masters and PhD programs.
  
  
• Temporary Foreign Worker Cap: The cap on temporary foreign workers in areas with high unemployment will change from 20% to 10%. This change is intended to reduce job vacancies from 500,000 to 200,000.
  
  This measure will apply to Quebec as well, further aligning the labor market with post-pandemic economic recovery efforts.  
  
  
• New Post-Graduation Work Permit Requirements: Starting November 1, PGWPs will only be available to graduates of public college diploma programs if they studied in a field experiencing a labor market shortage as determined by their province. Graduates of universities from all programs continue to be eligible for PGWPs.
  
  As well, university graduates applying for a PGWP will need to achieve level 7 and college graduates level 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks scale. We believe this will have little impact, as these changes are aligned with existing language requirements at most DLIs.
  
  
• Restrictions on Spousal Work Permits: Spousal open work permits will soon be limited to spouses of Master’s and PhD students in programs of 16 months or longer, up from 12 months.
  
  Open work permits for spouses of temporary foreign workers will be restricted to those whose partners are employed in skilled, specialized fields, specifically in management, professional roles, or sectors with labor shortages.

Implications for DLIs

DLIs that offer high quality services, experiences, and outcomes will be well positioned for sustained growth. Increased competition for international students coupled with stricter compliance requirements presents an opportunity to focus on key areas:

1. Enhanced Support Services: Providing robust support—especially around immigration guidance, job readiness, housing, and graduation outcomes—will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness in light of new permit caps.
   
   
2. PAL Value: Every PAL will continue to grow in value as DLIs work to maximize student enrollment, compelling institutions to communicate the value of their brand.
   
   
3. Curriculum and Career Alignment: With work permit eligibility now tied to high-demand sectors, DLIs must ensure their programs equip students with the skills that are most sought after in Canada’s labor market. DLIs should work with students during application and acceptance periods to create paths to these sectors. Expanding partnerships with industries and offering practical training through co-op programs will be keys to success.
   
   
4. Compliance and Transparency: The government’s focus on transparency and compliance in the immigration system means institutions must maintain the highest standards in documentation and student outcomes. It is more critical than ever for international students to comply with immigration rules and regulations throughout their Canadian journey, and for DLIs to have access to data that allows them to monitor and predict outcomes of their international students.
   
   
5. Student Achievement: With increased competition for international students, providing clear pathways for applicants to achieve their goals while in Canada—in academics, employment, and immigration pathways—will be crucial in both attracting and retaining international students.

Talk of the Trade

Minister Boissonnault emphasized that Canada’s economic future is deeply intertwined with immigration, stating “In the skilled trades alone, 400,000 workers are expected to retire by 2032, and an additional 300,000 skilled workers will be needed to meet demand. This is why our immigration system must balance the need for newcomers with the training and skills required to drive economic growth.”

99% of economic growth in Canada is reliant on newcomers... By 2032, our entire population growth will be based on immigration. - Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

This underscores the importance of preparing students to enter skilled trade fields, where labor shortages are projected to be significant.

This also emphasizes Canada’s long-term commitment to immigration and recognizes that our economy and labour force requires foreign talent to survive and prosper.

Positive Outcomes and Global Context

As these changes take effect, BorderPass is uniquely positioned to assist both DLIs and international students, helping to maintain Canada's status as a global education leader. Here’s how:

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How BorderPass Can Help

• Seamless Visa and Permit Processing: BorderPass offers streamlined immigration support directly integrated with the application process, helping students submit accurate and timely applications to help reduce the risk of refusals and delays.
  
  
• Thorough Application Process with Judicial Review: BorderPass helps applicants with well-prepared, thorough applications supported by our in-house legal team. To help ensure transparency and fairness, permit refusals can be submitted for judicial review in Canada’s federal court. This unprecedented access to justice provides BorderPass users with the opportunity to challenge unreasonable decisions, and in turn increasing approval rates.
  
  
• Enhanced Compliance and Support: BorderPass ensures that institutions and students are fully compliant with changing regulations, including the new language benchmarks and PGWP eligibility criteria.
  
  
• Real-Time Updates and Support: Both students and institutions benefit from real-time tracking and updates, providing peace of mind and helping everyone stay informed throughout the process.
  
  
• Enhanced Data for DLIs: Customized dashboards help DLIs monitor and predict student outcomes, targeting labour market gaps for successful career paths.
  
  
• Better Student Experience: By offering ongoing support, BorderPass ensures that students have access to the resources they need from application through to arrival in Canada, complementing the services provided by your institution.

Contact Us for Strategic Insights

These changes, while introducing some restrictions, are part of a larger strategy to ensure that Canada remains an attractive destination for top talent. Being competitively positioned will be critical for growth as similar policy changes occur around the globe.

BorderPass is ready to help institutions demonstrate even stronger value with improved services, support, and employability.

Talk to our team today to learn how.