Major Updates for International Students in Canada (July 2025)

International students looking to study in Canada, or those currently pursuing their education, have received important news in early July 2025 regarding Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility and financial requirements for study permits. These changes highlight Canada's efforts to balance its international student program with labour market needs.

PGWP Eligibility: A Welcome Reinstatement (for now)

After a period of uncertainty, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a significant update to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility for certain programs.

• Temporary Reinstatement: Effective July 4, 2025, Canada has reinstated the PGWP eligibility for 178 fields of study that were previously removed on June 25, 2025. This is a crucial reversal for many international students, particularly those in non-degree programs (i.e., not bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees) who applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024.

• Grace Period Until Early 2026: These reinstated programs will remain eligible until "early 2026," providing a temporary window for students in these fields to complete their studies and apply for a PGWP.

• Retroactive Coverage: Importantly, this reinstatement is retroactive, meaning students who applied for a study permit between June 25 and July 4, 2025, for one of the temporarily removed programs, are still covered under the reinstated eligibility.

• Focus on In-Demand Fields: The broader intention of IRCC's PGWP changes is to align eligible fields of study with occupations facing long-term labour shortages in Canada. While 119 new fields in sectors like healthcare, trades, and education were added to the eligible list on June 25, the removal and subsequent reinstatement of the 178 fields indicate an ongoing adjustment to ensure the program meets both student and labour market needs. Students are advised to verify their program's Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code against the official IRCC list.

Increased Financial Requirements for Study Permits

Prospective international students should also be aware of an upcoming increase in the funds required to demonstrate financial support for their studies:

• Tuition Requirements: For study permit applications, you must prove you have enough money to pay for your first year's tuition fees in addition to living expenses and travel costs. While a 2023 Federal Court ruling clarified that you don't necessarily need to have paid all or part of your tuition upfront at the time of application, you must demonstrate that you have the financial ability to pay these fees when they are due. Providing proof of paid tuition with your application, such as receipts or payment confirmations from your educational institution, is generally advised and can help strengthen your application. Your letter of acceptance from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) should specify the exact amount of tuition fees required.

• Living Expenses Increase (Effective September 1, 2025): The minimum amount of funds required for living expenses for a study permit application will increase starting September 1, 2025. For a single applicant, this amount will rise to CAD $22,895, up from the current CAD $20,635. This amount is in addition to the first year's tuition and travel costs.

• Annual Adjustment: This adjustment is part of an ongoing policy to update financial requirements annually, aligning with Statistics Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) to better reflect the true cost of living in Canada.

• Impact on Dependents: If you plan to bring family members, the required funds for living expenses will increase proportionally. For instance, a family of two will need to show CAD $28,502, and so on.

A scenic view capturing the essence of a Canadian educational institution.

These recent updates highlight the dynamic nature of Canada's international student program. While the PGWP reinstatement offers a welcome reprieve for many, the increased financial requirements and clear guidance on tuition demonstrate the importance of thorough financial planning for those aspiring to study in Canada. Always refer to official IRCC sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.