Canada is preparing to implement significant changes to its work permit rules starting in November 2024.
As the number of temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers, has surged in recent years, these new regulations aim to better manage the country’s immigration flow while addressing labor shortages in key sectors.
These adjustments will affect various work permit categories, language proficiency requirements, and the overall immigration strategy.
Below, we’ll break down the proposed changes, key eligibility criteria, and how they might impact those seeking to work or remain in Canada.
Language Proficiency Requirements
One of the most significant changes in the work permit rules is the introduction of language proficiency requirements for applicants.
Starting November 2024, individuals applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) will need to demonstrate a minimum level of French or English proficiency.
- University Graduates: Must meet a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in either English or French.
- College Graduates: Will need to meet a CLB level 5 to be eligible.
This language requirement aims to ensure that foreign workers and graduates have the necessary communication skills to integrate into Canada’s workforce effectively.
This change is expected to impact a large number of applicants, particularly those seeking PGWP to gain valuable work experience in Canada after completing their studies.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Limitations
Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit will also include stricter qualifying criteria. Graduates whose programs of study are not linked to occupations with long-term labor shortages will see their eligibility for PGWP reduced.
- Field of Study Requirement: Those graduating from programs related to long-term shortage occupations will still qualify for a 3-year PGWP.
- Non-Shortage Occupations: Graduates of programs unrelated to in-demand fields will see their PGWP eligibility reduced to 2 years.
Canada anticipates that these changes will result in about 175,000 fewer post-graduation employment permits over the next three years.
This adjustment aims to better align the PGWP program with the country’s labor market needs and reduce the reliance on temporary workers in sectors with sufficient labor supply.
Reduction in Temporary Residents
In a broader move to manage population growth, Canada will also reduce the number of temporary residents. By 2027, the goal is to decrease the percentage of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of the total population.
This is part of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan (2025-2027), which will be released by November 1, 2024.
This planned reduction will impact both international students and temporary foreign workers, as the country seeks to balance its economic needs with sustainable population growth.
Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits
Another major adjustment concerns the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). Currently, spouses of international students and foreign workers can often apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work in Canada without restrictions. However, the upcoming changes will limit the eligibility for this permit.
- Highly Skilled Workers: Spouses of highly qualified workers in fields such as C-suite executives, engineers, researchers, technicians, and others in sectors facing critical labor shortages will still be eligible.
- Restricted Eligibility for Students: The eligibility for spouses of students will be narrowed to those enrolled in doctoral, master’s, and professional programs.
- Construction and Healthcare Industries: Spouses of individuals working in construction and healthcare will continue to be eligible for work permits.
These modifications are expected to result in 100,000 fewer spousal work permits over the next three years, reflecting Canada’s focus on addressing labor shortages in specific high-demand sectors.
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan (2025-2027)
The Immigration Levels Plan for 2025-2027, scheduled for release on November 1, 2024, will provide more insight into Canada’s immigration strategy moving forward.
The plan will take into account the suggested reduction in temporary residents and propose levels for permanent immigration in the coming years.
The upcoming changes reflect a shift in Canada’s immigration policies toward a more targeted approach, prioritizing occupations with long-term labor shortages and tightening the rules for temporary work permits.
The proposed changes to Canada’s work permit rules, set to take effect in November 2024, will bring stricter eligibility requirements and language proficiency standards.
These adjustments are designed to better align the country’s immigration system with its labor market needs, particularly in fields facing critical shortages.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and their families will need to adapt to these changes as Canada works to reduce its reliance on temporary residents and ensure that newcomers can effectively contribute to its workforce.
For those planning to apply for a work permit or extend their stay in Canada, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest developments. The Immigration Levels Plan set to be released on November 1, 2024, will offer further guidance on these significant shifts in Canada’s immigration policy.
FAQs
What are the new language requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit?
University graduates need to meet CLB level 7, and college graduates need CLB level 5 in either French or English.
Will the duration of Post-Graduation Work Permits change?
Yes, graduates of programs unrelated to long-term shortage occupations will have their PGWP reduced to 2 years.
Who will be affected by the reduction in temporary residents?
Both international students and temporary foreign workers will be impacted as Canada reduces temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of its population.
Are there changes to the Spousal Open Work Permit?
Yes, eligibility will be limited to spouses of highly skilled workers and students in doctoral, master’s, and professional programs.
When will Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan be released?
The Immigration Levels Plan (2025-2027) will be released on November 1, 2024.
