Key Takeaways:
- New rules for changing schools require international students to apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing their designated learning institution (DLI)
- Restrictions on open work permits for spouses or common-law partners of international students have been implemented
- The study permit cap for 2025 has been set at 437,000, with a 10% decrease compared to 2024
- Master’s and doctoral students applying to study at public institutions in Canada will be exempt from the study permit cap starting January 1, 2026
- The field of study requirement for post-graduation work permit eligibility has been overhauled, with numerous programs added and removed from the eligibility list
- The cost of living requirement for international students has been updated, with a minimum amount of funds required increasing to $22,895 for a single person
Introduction to Changes in 2025
In 2025, the Canadian government introduced several changes affecting international students and recent graduates. These updates are crucial for individuals planning to study in Canada, those already in the country on a study permit, or those aiming to work on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation. The changes include new rules for changing schools, restrictions on open work permits for spouses or common-law partners, a study permit cap, increased flexibility for master’s and doctoral students, and an overhaul of the field of study requirement for PGWP eligibility.
New Rules for Changing Schools
As of January 2025, international students are required to apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing their designated learning institution (DLI). This change builds on the previous rule, which allowed students to switch DLIs by simply informing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through their online account. Additionally, students must include a new valid Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) before submitting an application for a study permit extension. To facilitate a smooth transition, IRCC instituted interim measures for students who were accepted to a new institution in the Winter or Spring of 2025, allowing them to transfer schools and begin their studies while their new application is still in process.
Restrictions on Open Work Permits
Another significant change that came into effect in January 2025 pertains to family open work permit eligibility restrictions for family members of international students. Spouses or common-law partners of students enrolled in master’s programs that are 16 months or longer in duration, doctoral programs, or select professional programs in healthcare, education, or engineering are now eligible for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP). Previously, spouses could be eligible for a SOWP even if the student’s master’s program was shorter than 16 months. Those planning to pursue a higher degree in Canada and bring their spouse along can find the full list of qualifying programs on the IRCC website.
Study Permit Cap
The federal government announced its study permit cap for 2025 in January, with a target of processing 550,162 applications between January 22 and December 31, 2025. The government also announced that a total of 437,000 study permits were projected to be issued in 2025, a 10% decrease compared to 2024. Of this, 305,900 would be specifically for new student arrivals (i.e., new study permits issued). However, from January 2025 to August 2025, the federal government issued only 89,430 new study permits, which is a mere 29% of its total annual target. This decline in overall student admissions can be attributed to numerous policies put in place by the Canadian government starting in 2024, aimed at reducing the temporary resident population and easing pressure on housing and social services.
Increased Flexibility for Master’s and Doctoral Students
In November 2025, it was announced that starting January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral degree students applying to study at public institutions in Canada will be exempt from the study permit cap. This means that these students do not have to submit a PAL/TAL to get a study permit, making it easier for foreign nationals to pursue these programs. Additionally, graduate students are no longer subject to IRCC’s processing limits and can apply even if the study permit cap has been reached. This could also help them reduce upfront costs for their study permit, as some institutions require students to pay a deposit to confirm their intention of enrolling.
Two-Week Application Processing for Doctoral Students
Starting November 6, 2025, doctoral students can get their study permit applications processed in as little as two weeks. To be eligible, the applicant must be enrolled in a doctoral degree program, apply from outside Canada, and submit their application online. Eligible family members may also benefit from expedited processing if they apply for a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit, are included in the doctoral student’s (the principal applicant’s) study permit application, and submit their application(s) at the same time.
Overhaul of the Field of Study Requirement
In 2024, IRCC introduced a field-of-study requirement for PGWP eligibility, which was overhauled in June 2025. Numerous programs were added to the PGWP eligibility list, while many others were removed, along with the entirety of the "Transport" category of eligible programs. However, in July 2025, IRCC postponed the removal of programs from PGWP eligibility, and 178 programs remain PGWP-eligible until further notice. International students who plan to work in Canada after graduation should confirm that their intended program of study is PGWP-eligible before applying.
Updated Cost of Living Requirement
The Canadian government increased the proof of financial support requirements for international students planning to study in Canada, starting September 1, 2025. For a single person, the minimum amount of funds required, on top of the first year’s tuition and travel costs, increased to $22,895, up from $20,635. International students must provide proof that they have these funds as living expenses to support themselves and any accompanying family members in Canada. This amount increases according to the number of accompanying family members.
Immigration Levels Plan
In November 2025, the federal government released its 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which shows an admissions target of 155,000 new international students in 2026. This is a near 50% cut in new student admissions compared to 2025 levels, continuing the government’s trajectory of scaling back on the number of temporary residents in the country. The plan also reveals that the government has plans to issue up to 408,000 study permits for international students in 2026, a 7% decrease from the 2025 issuance target of 437,000.