Recent immigration policy changes in Canada have left tens of thousands of international students facing an uncertain future. The Canadian government’s sudden shift in immigration priorities—now focusing on French speakers and specific job sectors—has drastically impacted the path to permanent residency for many long-term students. Experts estimate that between 70,000 to 131,000 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders may be forced to leave the country in 2024 and 2025, as their visas expire without a clear route to permanent residency.
This abrupt policy shift has sparked widespread criticism, with many calling it a failure of the immigration system, leaving students who have invested in Canadian education and work experience feeling betrayed.
Thousands of International Students Face Limited Options for Permanent Residency
International students who came to Canada seeking a pathway to permanent residency are now out of options due to recent immigration policy changes. Many of these students, holding temporary Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), may be forced to return to their home countries as their visas expire without opportunities to secure permanent residency.
Mass Expiration of Post-Graduation Work Permits Expected in 2024 and 2025
Policy experts predict that 70,000 to 130,000 PGWP holders will see their visas expire in the next two years. Without visa extensions or invitations to apply for permanent residency, these students will be left without options to stay in Canada. Ottawa’s recent immigration policies aim to cap the number of temporary residents and low-wage foreign workers, further limiting opportunities for international students to transition to permanent residency.
Post-Graduation Work Permits and the Changing Immigration Landscape
Post-graduation work permits, issued for 9 months to 3 years, allow international students to work in Canada after completing a diploma or degree. Under previous policies, the number of PGWPs issued increased significantly to address labor shortages and population decline. In 2021, the Canadian government granted permanent residency to 90,000 temporary workers and international students as part of a pandemic-related emergency measure.
However, the landscape has shifted. By the end of 2023, nearly 400,000 PGWP holders were living in Canada—almost three times the number from 2018. Recent policy reversals have halted extensions for expiring PGWPs, with the government clarifying that mass permanent residency grants were a one-time response to the pandemic.
Express Entry Changes Complicate the Path to Permanent Residency
In another significant shift, the Canadian government has changed its Express Entry system, which is used to select candidates for permanent residency. The new criteria now prioritize French-speaking applicants and those with job experience in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, skilled trades, and STEM fields. This has left many international students with Canadian-specific education and work experience struggling to qualify for permanent residency under the new rules.
Uncertainty and Confusion Among International Students
The lack of transparency and predictability in the permanent residency selection process has created widespread confusion among international students. Many are uncertain about their chances of securing permanent residency, as the new system makes it difficult to predict who will be selected. With no clear pathway to extend their visas, many students are left with two choices: stay in Canada as undocumented residents or return to their home countries.
Estimates of PGWP Expirations Vary, But the Impact is Clear
Although there is no precise data on how many PGWP holders will see their visas expire this year, advocacy groups estimate that about 70,000 international students will not obtain permanent residency before their visas expire in 2024 and 2025. Other estimates suggest that up to 131,000 permits could expire, depending on how long the work permits were issued for.
Calls for Reform and Support for International Students
As international students continue to protest and advocate for longer Post-graduation work permits and better pathways to permanent residency, experts and labor organizations are urging the government to reconsider its policies.
The sudden changes have left many feeling abandoned, despite their significant contributions to Canada’s economy, education system, and workforce. For many international students, Canada represented an opportunity for a better future through education and work. Now, with the abrupt shift in immigration policies, that future is uncertain, and the window to permanent residency is narrowing.
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