IRCC Policy Updates
Plain-English summaries of IRCC and CBSA changes affecting international students — PGWP rule changes, study permit caps, Express Entry draw updates, and work authorization changes.
These summaries are for informational purposes only. Immigration law is complex — always consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or verify directly at canada.ca for official guidance.
PGWP eligibility extended to more programs
IRCC expanded PGWP eligibility to include more diploma programs at private colleges, provided they are listed on the provincial DLI registry. Students who graduated from newly eligible programs may now apply retroactively.
What Changed
Additional private post-secondary programs now qualify graduates for PGWP. Check IRCC's DLI list to confirm your institution.
What To Do
Confirm your institution is on the updated DLI list at canada.ca/en/immigration. If newly eligible, apply within 180 days of graduation.
Source: IRCC – March 2025 policy notice
International student cap: updated allocation for 2025
IRCC announced updated provincial allocations for the 2025 international student study permit cap. Total cap remains 437,000. Ontario and BC face tighter quotas; New Brunswick and Manitoba receive increased allocations.
What Changed
Province-level quotas have been redistributed. Applications for institutions in cap-heavy provinces may take longer to process or be waitlisted.
What To Do
If your institution is in Ontario or BC, apply as early as possible. Consider whether an Atlantic or Prairie institution is an option for your program.
Source: IRCC – Feb 2025 press release
New Express Entry draws resumed for all streams
After a pause in late 2024, IRCC resumed regular Express Entry draws including No Program Specified (all programs) draws. CRS cutoffs have ranged from 489–541 depending on the draw category.
What Changed
Draws now happen roughly every 2 weeks. CEC draws have higher cutoffs than all-program draws. PNP draws go to 789+ but require a provincial nomination first.
What To Do
Create or update your Express Entry profile if you have 12+ months of Canadian work experience. Monitor draws at canada.ca/express-entry.
Source: IRCC draw results archive
BOWP eligibility: 180-day rule clarified
IRCC clarified that Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) applicants must apply at least 180 days before their current work permit expires to benefit from implied status protection during processing.
What Changed
Previously ambiguous, IRCC now states the 180-day window explicitly. Workers who miss this window may need to stop working during BOWP processing.
What To Do
If your PGWP or employer-specific work permit expires within 180 days and you have an active PR application, apply for a BOWP immediately.
Source: IRCC policy update – Jan 2025
Co-op work permits: hours cap removed
IRCC removed the 20 hours/week cap for co-op work permit holders during scheduled academic breaks. Students on co-op can now work full-time during winter and summer breaks without restriction.
What Changed
Previously, co-op permit holders were limited to 20 hrs/week even on break. Full-time hours are now permitted during official academic breaks.
What To Do
If you are on a co-op work permit, you may now work full-time during academic breaks. Verify with your institution's international office.
Source: IRCC – Dec 2024 regulatory change
Physical presence calculation method updated
CIC updated how days spent in Canada as a temporary resident before PR are calculated toward citizenship. Days as a temporary resident (study permit, work permit) now count at a 1:2 ratio (half credit) up to 365 days.
What Changed
Up to 365 days as a pre-PR temporary resident can count toward citizenship — but at half-value. This hasn't changed but IRCC published clarified guidance.
What To Do
Track your Canada entry/exit dates carefully from your first day on a study permit. Use the IRCC physical presence calculator.
Source: CIC – Nov 2024 guidance update
PGWP processing times spike to 5+ months
IRCC acknowledged a backlog in PGWP processing due to high application volumes following expanded DLI eligibility. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and use the 180-day window wisely.
What Changed
Processing went from ~3 months to 5+ months. Graduates who applied early are protected by implied status — they can continue working on a valid SIN while awaiting PGWP.
What To Do
Apply for PGWP immediately after receiving your completion letter — do not wait for your official degree certificate.
Source: IRCC – Oct 2024 stakeholder notice