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

Sandy Talks Canada

18 Sept 202410:52

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

📢 Recent Announcements on Canadian Immigration Policies

The speaker discusses significant changes in Canadian immigration policies that will impact students and workers. The eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) has become stricter, with increased requirements for the study visa and a cap on the number of study permits issued annually. The immigration minister has hinted at further changes in the coming years, emphasizing the importance for students to be aware of these updates. The speaker also mentions the reduction in the number of study permits issued, from 85,000 to 43,700, with an expectation to decrease to 300,000 by 2026. Additionally, the requirements for the PGWP have been made stricter, including the need for a higher IELTS score and a focus on English proficiency for those who have been in Canada for two years.

05:01

🔍 Deep Dive into Changes and Future Expectations

This paragraph delves into the specifics of the changes made to the immigration policies, including the reduction in the number of open work permits and the announcement that for the first time, Canada will announce its temporary resident levels. The speaker anticipates significant changes in immigration levels and streams, with a focus on employment rates and the potential for stricter policies. The paragraph also addresses the increase in unemployment rates in Canada and the government's efforts to control the influx of immigrants, reflecting on the challenges faced by students and workers in the current job market.

10:03

🗣️ Reflecting on the Timing and Impact of Policy Changes

The speaker reflects on the timing and necessity of the policy changes, questioning whether they were implemented at the right time. They suggest that a gradual approach to policy changes would have been less disruptive for students who have invested significantly in their education in Canada. The speaker also encourages viewers to consider the new changes, especially those related to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the new IELTS requirements, and to share their thoughts on the matter. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for students to prepare for their immigration process as soon as possible to avoid potential issues with the new policies.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Study Permit

A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national to study in Canada. In the video, the discussion revolves around changes to study permit requirements and caps, indicating that the government is imposing stricter regulations on the number of study permits issued, which will impact students planning to study in Canada.

💡Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. The script mentions that the eligibility criteria for PGWPs are becoming stricter, which could make it more difficult for students who wish to work in Canada after completing their studies.

💡IELTS

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is an international standardized test of English language proficiency. The video discusses the requirement for IELTS scores for certain immigration applications, including the study permit and the Post-Graduation Work Permit. It implies that international students must meet specific English language proficiency levels to be eligible for these permits.

💡CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks)

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is a set of standards for measuring English language proficiency in Canada. The script refers to CLB levels as a requirement for certain immigration programs, indicating that applicants must achieve a certain CLB level to qualify, which is a significant factor in determining eligibility for study and work permits in Canada.

💡Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. The video hints at changes in the PNP, suggesting that the eligibility criteria and the number of nominations may be affected, which is crucial for those looking to immigrate through this pathway.

💡Temporary Foreign Workers

Temporary Foreign Workers are individuals who are allowed to work in Canada for a limited period. The script discusses the reduction in the number of temporary foreign workers allowed, which is significant as it indicates a tightening of labor market access for foreign workers and could impact the Canadian economy and job market.

💡Immigration Levels Plan

The Immigration Levels Plan is a strategy by the Canadian government that outlines the number of immigrants to be admitted to Canada each year. The video suggests that upcoming announcements will detail changes to this plan, which is a critical factor for those looking to immigrate to Canada, as it dictates the overall immigration targets and the distribution across various immigration programs.

💡Express Entry

Express Entry is an online system used by the Government of Canada to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled foreign workers. The script mentions that Express Entry requirements are becoming stricter, which could affect the points system and eligibility criteria for potential immigrants applying through this system.

💡Work Permit

A work permit is a document that allows a foreign worker to work in Canada. The video discusses changes to work permit regulations, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit, which is a type of open work permit that allows international students to work in Canada after they graduate. The stricter requirements and potential reduction in the number of permits issued could impact international students' ability to gain Canadian work experience.

💡Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, without needing a job offer before applying. The script refers to changes in the eligibility criteria for open work permits, particularly for students and temporary foreign workers, indicating that the government is making it more challenging for certain groups to obtain this type of permit.

💡Immigration Minister

The Immigration Minister is a key figure in the Canadian government responsible for overseeing immigration policies and programs. The video discusses announcements made by the Immigration Minister regarding changes to immigration policies, which are crucial as they set the direction for Canada's approach to immigration and can significantly impact the lives of prospective immigrants.

Highlights

Recently, there have been significant changes announced that will impact every student and worker applying for a work permit.

The eligibility for PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) has been made stricter, and the cap has been increased.

The immigration minister announced that the study cap will be set to the date of the Dutch language test, indicating no more extensions.

The number of study permits issued has been reduced from 85,000 to 43,700, with an expectation to decrease to 300,000 by 2026.

For PGWP applicants, the requirements have become much stricter, including the need to retake the IELTS if applying for PGWP after university graduation.

University graduates need a CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) score of 6 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, while college graduates require a CLB 5 with 4 bands in reading.

The immigration minister hinted at further changes in the next five years, emphasizing the importance of being aware of these for future planning.

The processing of applications for study permits has become more challenging, especially for those applying for post-graduation work permits.

The requirement for a provincial assessment letter has been made mandatory for all, including Masters and PhD graduates, which was not previously required.

The number of open work permits for spouses has been reduced, and the criteria have been tightened, particularly affecting those with 16-month Masters programs.

Expectations are that the number of open work permits will decrease by 50,000, indicating a significant shift in policy.

Changes to temporary and permanent residency levels are expected to be announced, with a focus on which streams will be prioritized and the quotas for each.

For the first time, Canada will announce a decrease in temporary resident levels, which is a significant policy shift.

The announcement indicates that changes will not be cosmetic but significant, possibly including the closure of certain immigration programs.

The unemployment rate in Canada has risen, which is a key factor in the decision to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers.

The immigration policy changes are seen as a step towards addressing the unemployment issue, but the timing and approach are questioned.

The video concludes with a call to action for those planning to immigrate, suggesting to apply for Permanent Residency as soon as possible before rules become stricter.