Canada Immigration News — Student Edition (October 3, 2025)

Canada Immigration News — Student Edition : For international students and recent grads, here’s what actually changed—and what to do next.

1) Proof‑of‑funds increase is now in effect

As of September 1, 2025, study‑permit applicants must show higher living‑cost funds. IRCC’s study‑permit guide flags the increase, and sector briefings put the new single‑applicant amount at $22,895 (excluding tuition and travel). If you apply on/after Sept 1, make sure your GIC/bank letters, scholarship letters and statements meet the new threshold for your family size. Canada.ca+1

Student takeaway: Re‑calculate your budget before filing. If your proof falls short—even by a small margin—your application can be refused.

2) PAL + LOA verification can make or break timelines

Most new study‑permit files must include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) from the province/territory where you’ll study. In Québec, the CAQ functions as your attestation. At the same time, every post‑secondary DLI must verify your Letter of Acceptance through IRCC’s portal—schools typically have 10 calendar days to complete this step, or the application can be returned with fees. Plan for both steps when counting back from your intake start date. Canada.ca+2Canada.ca+2

Student takeaway: Ask your school when they submit LOA verification and how long PAL/CAQ issuance takes; build those delays into your filing plan.

3) PGWP: field‑of‑study rules tightened for non‑degree programs

If you’re in a certificate/diploma (non‑degree) program, your program must match an eligible CIP field linked to long‑term labour shortages to qualify for a Post‑Graduation Work Permit. On July 4, 2025, IRCC added 119 fields and removed 178, aligning with 2025 Express Entry priorities. The rule applies to students who applied for a study permit on/after Nov 1, 2024; degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) are unaffected. Always check your program’s CIP against the current list. Canada.ca

Student takeaway: Before paying second‑year tuition, confirm your program’s CIP remains on the eligible list—especially in private colleges.

4) Ontario opens the door for grads with job offers

Ontario’s PNP ran two large Employer Job Offer rounds this month, including the International Student stream:

• Sept 2: 1,105 invitations (International Student stream) as part of 2,643 total invitations across EJO streams.

• Sept 3: 759 invitations (International Student stream), minimum EOI score 63.If you have an Ontario job offer in a targeted occupation and meet stream criteria, watch the portal closely. Ontario+2Ontario+2

Student takeaway: A valid job offer plus the right NOC can fast‑track your PR pathway via OINP—get your employer ready with documentation.

5) Context: 2025 study‑permit cap still shaping intake

IRCC kept a national cap in 2025, with 437,000 study permits planned for the year (roughly 10% below 2024). Expect tighter provincial allocations and schools managing seats more carefully—especially for January and May intakes. Canada.ca

Student takeaway: Apply early and keep a backup intake or program ready in case allocations close.

Fast‑action checklist (save this)

• Funds: Update proof to the Sept 1 amounts; include first‑year tuition paid receipts and a clear budget letter tying funds to costs. Canada.ca

• PAL/CAQ: Request it immediately after LOA; track issuance times. Canada.ca

• LOA verification: Confirm your school’s portal process; follow up if the 10‑day window is expiring. Canada.ca

• Program check: Verify your CIP is PGWP‑eligible (non‑degree only). Screenshot the current list for your records. Canada.ca

• Ontario grads: If you have a job offer, prepare an OINP EOI and employer docs (offer letter, wage, duties). Ontario

Planning your PR after graduation

If you’ll qualify for Express Entry (CEC) later this year, note that IRCC now requires an up‑front medical at application for Express Entry PR—book panel physicians early to avoid delays. Canada.ca

Canada Immigration News — Student Edition