Canada announced major changes in Open work permit, PGWP, Study permit and SOWP

Summary

The video discusses significant changes in Canada's immigration policies, impacting students and work permit applicants. The study cap has been reduced, and post-graduation work permit difficulties have increased. The requirements for PGWP have become stricter, with higher language proficiency needed. The eligibility for the Provincial Nominee Program has also changed, and the number of temporary foreign workers is being reduced. These changes reflect Canada's efforts to control immigration numbers amid rising unemployment rates.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Canadian government has recently announced significant changes that will impact students and work permit applicants.
• 📈 The study permit cap has been reduced from 85,000 to 43,700 for 2025, with expectations to decrease to 300,000 by 2026.
• 🏫 Stricter requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) have been implemented, making it more challenging for students to stay in Canada after their studies.
• 📚 English language proficiency requirements for PGWP have been tightened, with a focus on higher IELTS scores and Canadian Language Benchmarks.
• 🚫 The number of temporary foreign workers has been reduced, with changes to the rules affecting those on spousal open work permits and international students.
• 🔄 There's a shift in policy regarding Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) requirements, with all applicants needing a Provincial Assessment Letter regardless of their degree level.
• 💡 The government hints at further changes in the upcoming years, emphasizing the importance of staying informed for those planning to immigrate.
• 📉 The changes are partly due to the rising unemployment rate in Canada, which has increased from 6.4% to 6.6%, affecting the job prospects of international students.
• 🚨 The announcement suggests that the upcoming immigration levels will be lower than before, with a focus on reducing temporary resident levels and considering significant changes to immigration policies.
• 💼 For those seeking permanent residency, it's advised to apply for the PGWP before November 1st to avoid the new IELTS requirements and to consider the points system for Express Entry.

Q & A

What is the recent announcement made by the immigration minister regarding study permits?

The immigration minister has announced significant changes impacting students and those applying for work permits. The eligibility for PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) has been made stricter, and the study permit requirements have been tightened.

How has the study cap been adjusted according to the recent announcement?

The study cap has been reduced from 85,000 to 43,700 for the year 2025, with an expectation to further reduce it to 300,000 by 2026, leading to more rejections and issued study permits.

What are the new requirements for PGWP eligibility?

For PGWP eligibility, applicants must now retake the IELTS test even if they have graduated from a university. For university graduates, a minimum of 6 bands in each section of IELTS is required, and for college graduates, a minimum of 4 bands in reading and a minimum of 5 bands in other sections.

What is the implication of the stricter IELTS requirements for students?

The stricter IELTS requirements imply that students will face more difficulties in obtaining a PGWP. They will have to retake the IELTS, which could be costly and time-consuming, especially for those who have struggled to achieve the required bands.

What is the change regarding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) as per the recent announcement?

The immigration minister has announced that all post-graduate students, regardless of whether they are pursuing a master's or a PhD, will now require a Provincial Assessment Letter, which was not mandatory before.

What is the impact of the changes on temporary foreign workers?

The changes are expected to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers, with a focus on controlling the unemployment rate which has increased in Canada. The government is considering significant changes to the immigration policy to address this issue.

What is the new rule for students applying for a PGWP after November 1st?

Starting November 1st, students applying for a PGWP will be required to submit their IELTS scores as part of their application, which was not necessary before that date.

How does the recent announcement affect students planning to apply for permanent residency?

The recent changes make the process of applying for permanent residency more challenging. Students are advised to prepare for their IELTS during their study time to meet the requirements for the PGWP and eventually for permanent residency.

What is the current limit on the number of valid job offers a student can have for PGWP?

The current limit remains at 20 valid job offers, and there has been no official announcement to increase this limit despite previous suggestions that it might be raised to 24.

What are the expectations from the upcoming immigration levels announcement by Canada?

The upcoming immigration levels announcement is expected to reveal a reduction in the number of immigrants accepted, focusing on temporary residents. There is anticipation for significant changes, possibly including the closure of certain immigration streams or stricter criteria.