For students from all around the world, including Bangladesh, Canada is a top option. Canada offers an appealing educational environment with its esteemed colleges, hospitable cities, and excellent standard of living. It is also more reasonably priced in comparison to many other well-liked study locations, which makes it a great choice for overseas students.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) requirements have changed recently, and this is crucial information for anyone thinking about studying in Canada or who is already preparing to do so.

New study permit intake cap

The number of study permit applications that can be authorized will be capped at two years, as stated by the Canadian federal government in January 2024. It is anticipated that approximately 360,000 new study licenses will be granted to overseas students in 2024, a 35% drop from 2023. By the end of the year, the cap for 2025 will be decided.

Each province and territory will also have specific caps on the number of new international students allowed to enroll in undergraduate programs. Provinces experiencing the most unsustainable growth in international student numbers will face sharper reductions in their study permit allocations. For example, Ontario is expected to see a 50% reduction in study permit approvals, according to local media reports.

Students submitting their study permit applications after January 22, 2024, will also need to obtain an attestation letter from the province or territory where they plan to study. This letter will serve as additional proof of the application’s legitimacy and will be required alongside other documents such as the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and proof of financial support.

Reasons for the enrollment cap

Over the past decade, the issuance of study permits by the Canadian government has increased significantly. However, the infrastructure needed to support this influx of international students, including housing and healthcare, has not kept pace, creating pressure on these systems.

Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility

A Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit that can be issued to international students who complete an eligible study program in Canada. Previously, most international students who completed a Canadian study program longer than eight months were eligible for PGWPs. However, starting September 1, 2024, international students who begin a study program at a public-private partnership (PPP) institution as part of a curriculum licensing agreement will not be eligible for PGWPs upon graduation.

Changes to spousal open work permit eligibility

Until 2023, spouses of international students enrolled in eligible full-time Canadian study programs were eligible for spousal open work permits (SOWPs). Moving forward, open work permits under section C42 will only be available to spouses of master's and doctoral students, as well as students enrolled in professional programs such as law and medicine. Spouses of international students enrolled in undergraduate and other college programs will no longer be eligible for open work permits.

Increased cost of living requirement

Starting January 1, 2024, the cost of living requirement for international students has increased from $10,000 to $20,635, not including tuition fees. For those studying in Quebec, the minimum proof of financial support will be $15,078, except for international students under the age of 18, who will need to show access to at least $7,541.

Reasons for the changes

The increase in the cost of living requirement aims to present a more realistic picture of students' living expenses in Canada and to ensure that international students have sufficient funds to cover their necessities. These requirements will be reviewed and potentially revised each year.

Previously, there were reports of international students struggling to make ends meet in Canada. With rising costs of housing and other living expenses, having access to more funds will help international students focus on their studies without financial stress.