Are you a study abroad aspirant looking to make a career as an international student in Canada? 

Canada has been in the news in the past year for all the good reasons.  With its world-class education system, vibrant culture, and abundant opportunities, it’s no wonder students flock here. 

But as we step into 2025, several new rules and regulations have been introduced for international students planning to study in Canada. These changes are to ensure that your study programs align with Canada’s evolving job market needs and to create a fair and efficient system for everyone involved.

If Canada is your destination, you must know these updates so that you can plan effectively. Let’s break down these rules for you.

1. Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility

The PGWP is a criteria which allows students to work in Canada after graduation, giving them valuable work experience. Starting from November 1, 2024, eligibility criteria have become more specific:

• For University Degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD):
  You will need to demonstrate strong English or French language skills, with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 or higher in all four areas—reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Any good news on this? Any field of study qualifies for the PGWP in this category.
• For Other University Programs (not a degree- a diploma or a certificate ):
  You’ll also need CLB 7, but your program must be in a field that’s in demand in Canada, for example., technology or healthcare.
• For College or Trade Programs:
  The language requirement is slightly lower, at CLB 5. However, your field of study must align with Canada’s labour shortages, including healthcare, STEM fields, skilled trades, transportation, or agriculture.

This change is made in order for students to pursue programs which not only interest them but will also help them a strong job opportunity in Canada post-completion of their course. 

2. Increased Off-Campus Work Hours

Now we all get it! Balancing work and studies has always been a challenge for international students. Starting November 2024, students can now work up to 24 hours per week during their academic sessions, up from the previous limit of 20 hours.

This will give students more flexibility to earn while studying, helping them manage living expenses without compromising their studies. However, keeping one thing in mind is to keep the primary focus on studies and excel in them for long-term benefits. 

3. No More ‘Flagpoling’ for PGWP Applications

‘Flagpoling’ is a term that refers to the practice of leaving Canada briefly (often to the US border) and re-entering to quickly apply for permits like the PGWP. From June 21, 2024, this option is no longer available.

Now, all PGWP applications must be submitted online or through designated immigration channels while one is staying in Canada. This change ensures a more streamlined and fair process for everyone. So, if you’re graduating soon, make sure to familiarize yourself with the online application procedure to avoid delays.

4. Removal of the Student Direct Stream (SDS)

For years, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) has helped students from specific countries get faster study permit approvals. It was a process where particular mandatory documents were a must to upload in order to get a faster response from the immigrants. 

Introduced in 2018 It allowed students from countries like China, the Philippines, India and others to speed up their student visa process. 

The visa success ratio was equally higher in comparison to the generic stream. 

However, this program ended in November 2024. Now, all study permit applications follow a single, unified process, regardless of your nationality through a mainstream process only. 

This update aims to create a level playing field for all international students. While the unified system might take a bit more time than the SDS, it’s designed to be transparent and consistent.

5. New Rules for Spousal Open Work Permits

If your spouse plans to accompany you to Canada, pay attention to this change. 

Spouses of students enrolled in programs unrelated to Canada’s labour market needs may no longer be eligible for open work permits.

Also, if your course is less than 16 months then your spouse would no longer be eligible for an open work permit visa. 

This policy is to encourage students to choose programs that align with the country’s economic priorities, such as healthcare, engineering, or information technology. 

If your program qualifies, your spouse can still enjoy the opportunity to work in Canada during your studies.

6. Pre-Arrival Study Permits for Visa-Exempt Students

In the past, students from visa-exempt countries, countries whose citizens don’t need a visa to enter Canada could apply for a study permit when they arrived at the airport or border in Canada. It was a very convenient option for some students who may not have finalized their paperwork before travelling. 

However, from 2025, this process is no longer allowed. Now, all international students, including those from visa-exempt countries, must get their study permits approved before travelling to Canada. This means you need to apply for your study permit online or through a Canadian visa application centre (VAC) in your home country and wait for the approval before booking your flight.

This rule is to ensure that your paperwork is in order and that you won’t face unexpected problems at the border. Everyone, regardless of their visa requirements, follows the same process, making it fair and straightforward. Knowing your permit is approved before you leave gives you peace of mind and helps you focus on planning your studies and life in Canada.

7. Changing Schools While in Canada

After November 8, 2024, if you wish to change your post-secondary school, you must apply for a new study permit by extending your current one. Before making any changes, you must comply with all conditions of your existing study permit. This includes being enrolled at and actively studying at a designated learning institution (DLI).

If you are transferring to another post-secondary institution, follow the provided instructions carefully. 

Additionally, if you are in a co-op program and plan to switch to a co-op program at a different school, you will need to apply for a new co-op work permit.

How Do These Changes Affect or Benefit You?

While these updates might seem a little daunting at first, but trust us, it is for your benefit only:

• Better Job Prospects: By focusing on in-demand fields, you increase your chances of landing a job after graduation.
• Clear Processes: The removal of flagpole and SDS ensures consistency and fairness for all students. You can still make sure that all your documents are neat and tidy and receive a visa in genuine cases.
• Financial Stability: The increased work hours allow you to support yourself better while studying.
• Family Support: Clearer spousal permit rules ensure that your loved ones can accompany you without complications.

Conclusion

Canada’s new rules for international students in 2025 reflect its commitment to quality education and a thriving labour market. The changes are all set to make your journey smoother, more meaningful, and aligned with future opportunities.

These updates can be really overwhelming, but you don’t need to go through the process alone. Dynamic Education Consultants are always here to support you from start to finish. From program selection to understanding the required visa, we are here to make your Canadian dreams come true. Reach out to us today and take the first step forward to a brighter future in Canada!