New Rules In Canada For International Students

Canada is still among the most popular countries where international students study, as it provides good-quality institutions, opportunities to work during the studying process, a definite way to obtain Canadian work experience and, perhaps, permanent residence. Simultaneously, new regulatory changes presented by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) imply that the regulations have changed; it is more important than ever that one thoroughly prepares. 

What Is Changing And Why It Matters

1. Updated Field-Of-Study Requirement For The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Among the most noticeable changes, which are worth mentioning, one can note the alteration of the eligibility of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Students whose application for a study permit has been received on or after November 1, 2024, and students studying a non-degree program (i.e., not a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree) will be required to take a program in an eligible field of study that is related to long-term shortages of labour in Canada.

The list of eligible fields (according to the Classification of Instructional Programs, CIP) will be updated on July 4, 2025, with 119 new fields added (such as health care, social services, education, and trades) and 178 fields removed because they are no longer associated with in-demand occupations.

What this means in practice:

If you applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, and are planning to pursue a non-degree program, you must ensure that the field of study is on the eligible list at the time of application. If you applied before November 1, 2024, this requirement does not apply to you.

The limitation is not relevant in situations where you have applied before or you are pursuing a bachelor’s/master’s/doctoral degree.

If your study permit application was submitted before June 25, 2025, and your program was on the list at the time of submission, you remain eligible even if later removed. 

This change is intended to align student education with Canada’s labour-market needs and ensure graduates are moving into sectors where demand is strong.

2. Off-Campus Work Limit Increased

In the past, international students used to work not more than 20 hours/week off-campus within normal academic semesters. Under new regulations (effective November 2024), the maximum has been increased to 24 hours per week during normal academic terms.

This provides a bit more flexibility for students seeking to gain work experience while studying, but it is still critical to respect the conditions of your study permit, remain full-time in your studies, and comply with other eligibility rules.

3. “Flag-Poling” and Ports of Entry Changes

Another change: as of June 21, 2024, international students can no longer apply for a PGWP by leaving Canada and re-entering (“flag-poling”) at the border. 

Also, starting 23 December 2024, international students will no longer be able to apply for a study permit at a Canadian port of entry; instead, applications and extensions must be submitted online. If a student on maintained status leaves Canada, they may lose their ability to continue studying until the new permit is approved. 

4. Program Transfer And Institutional Compliance

Although the official notices of IRCC are more concerned with the eligibility and the field of study of the PGWP, the overall changes are concerned with compliance: you have to study in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), be enrolled full-time, and the program must satisfy the conditions of the IRCC. 

What These Changes Mean For You As A Prospective International Student

• Selecting your program correctly: In case you intend to pursue a non-degree program, verify the CIP code of your program and ensure that the program belongs to an eligible field. When it is a degree (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate), then there is no restriction on the field of study.
• Work-while-study planning: The increased off-campus work restriction (24 hrs/week) provides a little more breathing room, but you still have to balance between work and your academic life and keep your status.
• Timing is critical: Your study permit application date matters. Applicants who do a non-degree program, and apply on or after November 1, 2024, are subject to the new rules on the eligibility of the program to obtain a PGWP.
• Maintain compliance: You must be enrolled in a DLI, study full-time, and you must not change or transfer programs without following up to determine whether this new action will cause you to require a new permit.
• Use the online system and avoid informal border tactics. The flag-poling system is not available for PGWP applications, and study permit applications at ports of entry are limited after late 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Am I required to comply with the new field-of-study restrictions on the new PGWP in case I am pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree program?

No, the field-of-study requirement of PGWP is only applicable to students in non-degree programs where the application to apply for the study permit was received on or after 1 November 2024. You are not limited to that in case you are in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree.

Q2. Am I free to select any discipline whenever I am pursuing a diploma or certificate course?

Only when applied before 1 November 2024. When you apply on or after that date in a diploma/certificate (non-degree) program, the field of study must be one of the appropriate CIP codes associated with long-term labour shortages.

Q3. Does the higher off-campus work limit mean I can just work more and ignore study?

No, the increase to 24 hours per week during academic sessions is still conditional on you maintaining full-time enrolment, your institution being a DLI, and your permit conditions being met. Your primary purpose must remain your studies. 

Q4. I was planning to switch institutions mid-program; is that allowed under the new rules?

Although not explicitly detailed in the IRCC notice above, the broader theme of increased oversight means you must check whether switching to another DLI or program may require a new study permit or notification to IRCC. Always confirm with your institution and an immigration professional.

Q5. My study permit application was submitted on 15 June 2025, and my program’s CIP code was on the eligible list then, but was removed later on 25 June 2025; am I still eligible for PGWP?

Yes, according to the July 4, 2025, IRCC notice, if your study permit was submitted during that period when your program was on the list, you remain eligible even though it was later removed. 

Conclusion

The new regulations for international students in Canada convey a clear message: remain legal, remain strategic, and be wise in the path you take. Opportunities are also extremely high – Canada has been determined to welcome international talent; however, the structure is increasingly demanding, so it makes good sense to meet the labour-market demands and the integrity of the system.

Kurzfeld Law Firm has a diverse team that integrates a solid understanding of Canadian immigration laws with experience in assisting international students worldwide, particularly those with an Indian background. We help you with eligibility tests, program and school selection, application for study permits, planning for PGWP, and work-as-you-study plans. To ensure you go through these changing regulations with confidence, we welcome your contact with us to get a personalized consultation.

Make the next move with a lot of confidence – we can assist you in creating a strategic plan that can guide you to your objectives of studying and immigrating to Canada.