In 2025, Canada made several major changes that directly affect international students and graduates. These updates changed how students can switch schools, who can bring family members, how many study permits are approved, and who qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
If you are planning to study in Canada, are already studying there, or hope to work after graduation, these changes are extremely important. Missing even one rule could delay your plans or lead to refusal.
This guide explains all the 2025 changes in simple, easy-to-understand language, so you can clearly understand what applies to you and how to avoid costly mistakes.
New rules for changing schools in Canada
Earlier, international students could change their college or university by simply informing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online. That is no longer allowed.
Starting in late 2024 and reinforced in January 2025, students must apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before changing their school. In addition, students now need a new Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL) when applying for a study permit extension after switching institutions.
IRCC did allow temporary flexibility for students who transferred schools in Winter or Spring 2025, letting them start classes while waiting for approval. This exception ended on May 1, 2025.
The biggest risk here is for students planning to apply for a PGWP later. If you applied for your first study permit before November 1, 2024, you may be exempt from certain PGWP field-of-study rules. Applying for a new study permit removes that exemption, which could affect your future work permit eligibility.
At present, you must study only at the school listed on your study permit. Studying elsewhere, even temporarily, can create serious immigration problems.
Restrictions on open work permits for spouses of international students
In January 2025, Canada significantly reduced who qualifies for a spousal open work permit (SOWP) when accompanying an international student.
As of January 21, 2025, only spouses or common-law partners of students enrolled in master’s programs of 16 months or longer, doctoral programs, or specific professional programs in healthcare, education, or engineering are eligible.
Before this change, spouses of students in shorter master’s programs could still qualify. That is no longer the case.
This means couples planning to study in Canada together must now be very careful when choosing a program, as not all programs allow a spouse to work in Canada anymore.
Canada reduced the number of study permits in 2025
In January 2025, the Canadian government announced a strict cap on study permits. IRCC planned to process only 550,162 applications during the year and issue 437,000 study permits, which was already a 10 percent drop from 2024.
Out of these, only 305,900 permits were meant for new students arriving in Canada.
By August 2025, only 89,430 new study permits had been issued, which is less than one-third of the yearly target. This sharp drop is part of Canada’s broader effort to reduce the number of temporary residents and ease pressure on housing and public services.
In November 2025, IRCC announced an even lower target for 2026, planning to issue 408,000 study permits, which is another decrease compared to 2025.
More flexibility for master’s and PhD students starting 2026
Canada made one positive change for graduate students. Starting January 1, 2026, students applying for master’s or doctoral programs at public institutions are exempt from the study permit cap.
This means these students do not need a PAL or TAL, and they can apply even if the study permit cap has already been reached.
This also makes the process cheaper and faster for many students, since some schools require deposits only to secure a PAL. Graduate students can now apply without waiting for those limits.
Two-week study permit processing for doctoral students
From November 6, 2025, doctoral students applying from outside Canada can receive their study permit decision in as little as two weeks.
To qualify, the applicant must be enrolled in a PhD program, apply online, and apply from outside Canada. Eligible family members applying at the same time may also receive faster processing.
This includes spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and even dependent children of dependent children.
Major changes to PGWP field-of-study rules
Canada introduced field-of-study requirements for PGWP eligibility in 2024. Under these rules, students in non-degree programs must graduate from programs linked to occupations facing long-term labour shortages.
Students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs remain exempt from these requirements.
In June 2025, IRCC changed the list of eligible programs by adding some and removing many others, including the entire Transport category. However, in July 2025, IRCC delayed removing programs from eligibility.
As of now, 178 programs remain PGWP-eligible until early 2026, when IRCC is expected to finalize the changes.
Students must confirm PGWP eligibility before enrolling, not after graduation.
Higher proof of funds requirement for students
Starting September 1, 2025, Canada increased the amount of money students must show as proof of living expenses.
A single student must now show $22,895, in addition to tuition and travel costs. This is an increase from $20,635.
Students bringing family members must show even higher amounts, depending on family size. These requirements apply to all provinces and territories outside Quebec, and the amounts are reviewed every year.
Canada sharply reduced new student admissions for 2026
In November 2025, Canada released its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, showing a target of 155,000 new international students in 2026.
This represents nearly a 50 percent reduction compared to 2025 targets and signals Canada’s continued effort to limit temporary resident numbers.
Important update to avoid PGWP refusals
In 2024, IRCC introduced language test and field-of-study requirements for certain PGWP applicants. However, there was no clear instruction on where to upload these documents, leading many students to submit incomplete applications.
As a result, many PGWP applications were refused.
In December 2025, IRCC clarified that applicants must merge required documents into a single file, such as a combined PDF, and upload it with the application.
Failing to do this can still lead to refusal.
Can I change my school after arriving in Canada?
Yes, but only after applying for and receiving approval for a new study permit. Studying at a new school without approval can put your status at risk.
Does changing my study permit affect my PGWP eligibility?
Yes. If you were previously exempt from certain PGWP rules, applying for a new study permit may remove that exemption.
Can my spouse work in Canada if I study there?
Only if you are enrolled in a qualifying master’s program of at least 16 months, a PhD program, or an approved professional program.
Are all programs eligible for a PGWP?
No. Many programs are no longer eligible. You must confirm eligibility before applying, not after graduation.
Is Canada still a good option for international students?
Yes, but it now requires better planning, correct program selection, and careful compliance with rules. Mistakes are less forgiving than before.
If you want help choosing the right program, protecting your PGWP eligibility, or planning your study-to-work pathway, expert guidance matters more than ever.
