Addressing the Big Question
Are you an aspiring student who wishes to study in Canada? You have to know about the recent changes brought by Canada Immigration. You may also wonder, Is it harder to get a study visa for Canada now? Yes, recent changes implemented by the Canadian immigration authorities aim to manage the increasing number of international students. This would result in the sustainable growth of the educational migration, eliminating unwanted admissions and providing opportunities for genuine students. Through the policies, it would greatly impact the acquisition of a student visa, leading to a competitive and challenging task when compared to the previous years. Croyez Immigration stands as the best Canada study visa consultants that provide a smooth visa processing experience during this complicated stage.
IRCC authorities say that, through these changes in study visa policies, students with a genuine application and properly detailed documentation will obtain the path. International students around the world adjust their strategies and organise accurate documents to acquire the study permits.
This blog widely speaks about the recent study visa policy changes, ways to document a genuine application, Study in Canada benefits and a list of documents to increase the chances of getting a study permit.
The Core Changes of the permit
The Introduction of the International Student Cap
Canada has introduced a national cap on the number of new study permits issued annually. Canada welcomed thousands of International students annually over the last decade. This has benefited Canada in many ways, like economic growth, cultural integrity, finding talent and skilled minds. But on the other hand, this has been increasing pressure for the Canadian Government to balance the pressure of demanding housing, social services and the labour market. These introduced a national cap on study permits will significantly balance the sustainable growth of migrating students and the Canadian economy.
Let's compare the intakes of 2023, where Canada welcomed 6,00,000 students under valid study permits. This is the largest intake when compared to the previous year and the next year, 2024, when Canada introduced an International student cap to control the student population. In the year 2024, Canada issued only 3,60,000 permits, which is 35% lower than the 2023 intakes.
Now, for this year 2025, Canada has set the cap to welcome 4,37,000 students, which is slightly higher when compared to the previous year. This cap system has increased the competition among the student applicants, because once the province reaches its allocated quotas, no further permits will be issued for the province for that year. Even applications having the highest qualification and accurate documentation will not get the chance.
Croyez Immigration helps the student applicant to plan and select the province with higher quotas and ways to get a one with updated strategies and compliance with the 2025 cap.
The Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
One of the most important requirements for the student to get from the province is to obtain the Provincial Attestation Letter. This letter will be provided by the province confirming the student’s seat in the region, and also confirming of study permit.
From the previous year and continuing in the future, the students must get the PAL along with their study permit. Having this PAL will secure the quotas of the provinces placed, and every student must get this one. Students under some categories, like primary and secondary school students, government priority program applicants, Quebec vocational program students, and francophone students, will get an exemption from getting a PAL.
Each province issues PAL independently due to the demand and availability of the province's seat. Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia may reach the application deadline fast, hence the students applying there will secure a PAL promptly. If the students did not provide the PAL, that would result in the refusal of the study permit.
Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program
Students who get a visa to pursue their studies in Canada will mostly apply for the post-graduation work permit. This will allow the students to get Canadian work experience after their graduation. Due to the increase in the crowd, the eligibility of the graduates to acquire a post-graduation work permit has been altered and tightened.
IRCC has released the list of 920 eligible fields where there is a need for the labour market. Canada expects skilled freshers from programs which are directly related to the long-term labour market. This concludes that Canada will not issue PGWP to the graduates under the courses that do not align with Canada’s priorities. Furthermore, programs from various private colleges have lost their eligibility to get promoted to a post-graduation work permit.
Croyez experts will help the students to select the programs that align with Canada’s future economic needs. We will also advise on increasing the chances of getting a post-graduate work permit for the present graduates.
Increased Financial Requirements
The most important requirement for all time is proof of funds to secure a study permit application. Canada has also increased the financial threshold as a crucial part of the requirements for the study permit. The applicant must show funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses and flight tickets according to the updated living expense requirements. The updated financial thresholds are based on Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off Calculations.
Croyez is regarded as the best Canada study visa consultants; we help the applicant to manage the funds to be verifiable and accessible in Canada, which will greatly reduce the chances of refusals.
Verification of Letters of Acceptance (LOA)
To secure the permits from fraudulent applicants, IRCC verify the Letter of Acceptance from the Designated Learning Institutions. The letters offered by the DLIs are also changed to comply with Immigration standards.
Croyez helps the student applicants to select DLI institutions, protecting the applicants from choosing fake LOAs.
Off-Campus Work Restrictions
New restrictions are laid for the international students doing work off-campus. Students are allowed to work for 24 hours a week during their academic sessions, whereas full-time work can be opted for by the students only during scheduled breaks.
Croyez advises about the proper timing and limits of the working hours, to help them not lose their study permit status.
Why are more Applications being rejected?
Stricter “Genuine Student” Assessments
IRCC strictly verifies the student's intention and assesses their genuineness. The student applicant must state the sole purpose of choosing Canada as their academic destination.
Croyez helps students to draft SOPs exhibiting strong academic goals, detailed travel history and ways to give proper explanation or eliminate any suspicious elements in the profile which would easily lead to refusal.
Missing or Invalid PAL
The PAL is one of the important documents to be submitted by the applicant. The recent refusal trend is because of failing to submit a valid PAL. Croyez prepares and organises all the necessary documents needed for a perfect application.
Insufficient Financial Proof
With the increased threshold, the applicant must have sufficient funds to qualify for the student application. Applicants who do not demonstrate the ability to cover the living expenses and other expenses will fall in the risk of refusal category.
Croyez advises the applicants to manage their finances and also provides financial assistance, like loans and scholarships.
Weak Statements of Purpose (SOP)
The weak statement of purpose is the most important document. This is a bridge between the applicant and the immigration officer to discuss the profile and other requirements. The poorly drafted, generic SOPs can be easily rejected by the officers.
Croyez assist in drafting a personalised and strong SOPs stating the very possible explanations and requirements.
Weak Ties to Home Country
As the study visa comes under the temporary visa category, the student must convince the officer that they will leave Canada after completing their study. Stating weak home ties, like lack of familial connections and others like work, assets can cause refusals. Though a Study visa is the first step to a pathway to permanent residency, it is important to state strong home ties.
Croyez has successfully acquired thousands of study visas, making the students’ dream to reality.
Strategies for a Successful Application
Choose Your Program Carefully
The students must select a program that aligns with their previous education and long-term career goals. They must keep prioritising the fields that are listed by IRCC under the PGWP eligible category, which are aimed at balancing the labour market demand in Canada.
Secure Your PAL Early
Apply to the DLIs with provinces with maximum allocated quotas, and secure the PAL as soon as possible. Stay on track with the updates from the official portals and with Croyez Immigration.
Demonstrate Strong Financial Capacity
The student must have financial ability and must also demonstrate their eligibility for the financial requirements clearly. They must attach the related bank statement, scholarship letter, fixed deposits, and affidavits. All the documents must be easily accessible and verifiable.
Write a Compelling Statement of Purpose
Draft a strong SOP about the intention of choosing Canada, the Canadian education system, the program, the university and long-term goals. It must also contain the financial eligibility and return ties explanation. State the authentic statements and explanation.
Show strong home ties
Though proving strong return ties the explanation, the applicant must attach all the documents aligned with the SOP statements. The documents, like family affidavit, property ownership, and employment offers, must be submitted.
Stay Compliant with Work Restrictions
Students must adhere to the rules regarding the work restrictions and must maintain a clear record of employment. Surf about International student experience on various social media and stay compliant with the regulations.
Looking Ahead
The Student visa process in Canada has become very complex and strict after the implementation of the student cap. Croyez Immigration has a team of experts with more than a decade of experience. We stay updated with immigration trends and the strategic visa process according to the immigration changes and students’ profiles.
Join hands with Croyez, the most reliable Canada study visa consultants.
Hurry and book your free consultation now! Know about the updated rules and check your eligibility for free!
