Canada Study Visa Guide

Planning to study in Canada? You’re in luck – Canada remains a top destination thanks to world-class universities, high quality of life, and welcoming immigration pathways. In this guide, we’ll walk through new immigration news (PGWP, SDS, permit caps, etc.), study permit basics (benefits, eligibility, process, rights), top schools and provincial pathways, and why UW Immigration (Deepika Minhas) can help you. We write in a friendly, supportive tone, with all the latest facts from , CIC News and more.

1. Latest Immigration News (June 2025)

• Student Direct Stream (SDS) Ended. As of Nov 8, 2024, Canada closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs. SDS had offered faster processing for certain countries, but IRCC ended it “to strengthen program integrity” and give all students equal access. Now all study permit applications go through the regular stream (you can still use GICs as proof of funds).
• Study Permit Caps & Attestation Letters. To manage growth, Canada capped international student permits. In 2024 a cap on applications cut new study permits by roughly one-third. For 2025, IRCC set a national target of 437,000 permits – about 10% below 2024’s cap. Almost all applicants now must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from their province confirming a genuine offer. (Some groups – e.g. K–12 students, certain priority categories, and exchange students – are exempt.) These PAL/TAL rules help provinces plan for student intake. Overall, Canada’s caps aim to “ease pressures” on housing and services.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes. A number of important PGWP rules changed recently:
  • Master’s students get 3-year PGWPs. Since Feb 15, 2024, all master’s degree graduates can receive a 3-year work permit (even if their program is shorter). This boosts work and PR prospects.
  • Language and program requirements. Starting Nov 1, 2024, PGWP applicants must meet new criteria: university grads need CLB 7, college grads CLB 5. College and vocational programs must also be in fields linked to Canada’s long-term labor needs (STEM, healthcare, trades, etc.) to qualify. University bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral grads are exempt from the field-of-study restriction. Importantly, those who applied for their study permit before Nov 1, 2024 keep the old rules for PGWP eligibility.
  • Online study restrictions. New IRCC rules (Sept 2024 on) require that at least 50% of a program be completed in Canada. Any time spent studying outside Canada after Aug 31, 2024 will be deducted from the PGWP length. In short, online courses taken from abroad after that date won’t count toward your PGWP.
  • Other PGWP news: Flight school grads remain exempt from new rules (per ); and time your passport’s expiry could affect PGWP length, so keep it valid.
• Work Hours & Family. The off-campus work limit was raised: as of Nov 15, 2024, international students may work up to 24 hours per week (up from 20h) during classes. (This gives students more flexibility to earn and gain experience.) Note that spousal open work permits are now generally restricted to spouses of master’s and PhD students.
• Other Rules: You can no longer simply transfer schools mid-stream – as of Nov 8, 2024, changing DLI requires extending your permit. Also, designated learning institutions (DLIs) must now verify letters of acceptance and report student data – non-compliant schools risk suspension.

In summary: Canada’s rules are evolving to ensure student success and program integrity. Key changes include the end of SDS, new PGWP requirements, and capped intakes with provincial letters. Throughout, Canada emphasizes a positive experience – it still “welcomes international students from all around the world”.

2. About the Canada Study Permit

Purpose & Benefits: A Canadian study permit lets you enroll full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You’ll benefit from Canada’s high-quality education, safe communities, and multicultural environment. While studying, you can work on-campus full-time and off-campus up to 24h/week (term-time) to gain experience and help with expenses. After graduation, eligible students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing up to three years of Canadian work – a great bridge to permanent residency. Overall, a study permit provides education and valuable Canadian work experience.
Eligibility: To qualify for a study permit, you must meet IRCC’s criteria. In general, you need to:

• Be accepted by a DLI (i.e. have a letter of acceptance).
• Prove funds to cover first-year tuition and living expenses for yourself (and any family) – for example, a GIC in a Canadian bank and bank statements.
• Pass security and medical checks (no serious criminal record or health issues).
• Convince the officer you’ll leave Canada when your permit expires.

IRCC explains: “You can come to Canada to study if you are enrolled at a DLI, have enough money for tuition and living costs, obey the law (no criminal record), are in good health, and plan to leave Canada at the end of your permit”.
Application Steps (Overview): The typical process is:

1. Choose a School and Program. Find a DLI (see ’s list) and apply. Receive an official acceptance letter.
2. Apply for the Study Permit: Submit an online (or paper) application. You’ll upload required documents such as the acceptance letter, proof of funds (bank statements, GIC), passport, photos, and any required exams (like language tests). (Also include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if your province uses them, to confirm your admission is genuine.)
3. Work or Travel While You Wait: If eligible, you can work up to 24h/week off-campus and full-time on-campus while waiting on your permit.
4. Receive Your Permit: Once approved, the letter or permit tells you the conditions (e.g. study location, work rights, expiry date).
5. Arrive and Study: Land in Canada, show documents, and enroll.

(For details on documents and process, see the CanadaVisa list: you’ll need an acceptance letter, PAL/TAL, proof of funds, passport, photos and fees.)
Rights & Responsibilities: As an international student, you have rights like anyone in Canada. You can work on/off campus (subject to conditions) and access some services. But you must also follow the rules. Key responsibilities include:

• Stay enrolled and make progress. Keep full-time status (except final term), attend classes, and complete your program.
• Respect permit conditions. If your permit says which school/DLI you must attend, or limits on work, you must follow them.
• Update IRCC on changes. Tell IRCC if you change address or school (and get a new permit to change schools).
• Leave on time. Plan to leave when your permit ends, unless you extend or switch to a work permit/PR.

Canada puts it plainly: “While studying in Canada you must make progress towards completing your program, respect any conditions listed on your study permit, and stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements. Always keep in good standing and use your study period fully – that way you can maximize opportunities like PGWPs.

3. Top Schools & Provincial Pathways

Canada’s universities and colleges rank highly worldwide, and many have large international student bodies. Popular institutions include University of Toronto, UBC, McGill University, University of Alberta, McMaster University, University of Waterloo and others. In fact, multiple Canadian schools placed in the global top 100 by subject in 2025 (e.g. U of Toronto, UBC, McGill, Waterloo). Other top colleges (for diplomas and certificates) include Sheridan, Seneca, Humber and more. Choose a school based on your field – many colleges specialize in in-demand areas like tech, health, and trades.
Provincial Opportunities: Some provinces offer extra support or pathways for international grads:

• Ontario: As Canada’s largest province, Ontario attracts many students. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has streams for international students – for example, the International Student stream and dedicated Master’s and PhD graduate streams. Graduates of Ontario schools often benefit from strong job markets in Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo and more.
• Atlantic Provinces (NB, NS, NL, PEI): These smaller provinces actively recruit students. Each Atlantic province has graduate-friendly PNP streams: e.g. New Brunswick’s Graduates Pathway, Nova Scotia’s International Graduates in Demand, and Newfoundland & Labrador’s International Graduate Category. There is also the federal Atlantic Immigration Program, which allows skilled foreign grads from Atlantic schools to gain permanent residence more quickly.
• Prairies (Manitoba & Saskatchewan): Both Manitoba and Saskatchewan have streams aimed at international graduates of their universities/colleges. Manitoba’s PNP (MPNP) offers the International Education Stream for those with an eligible job offer after graduating in Manitoba. Saskatchewan’s PNP features a “Student Sub-category” for those who studied at a Sask school and have a job offer.
• Alberta: Alberta has competitive programs and large oil/tech sectors. In addition to general streams, Alberta offers entrepreneurial streams for foreign graduates who want to start businesses (e.g. the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream).
• British Columbia: BC is a very popular study destination (UBC, SFU, UVic, etc.), but note that as of 2024-25 its Provincial Nominee Program has tightened. BC announced a pause on its former International Post-Graduate (IPG) stream and many draws due to federal quota cuts. (BC will process some pending applications but is not launching new student streams until further notice.) Still, its universities remain globally ranked, and BC offers many co-op and work opportunities.
• Quebec: Quebec has its own system (separate from IRCC caps). While Quebec still welcomes many students (especially at McGill, UdeM, Concordia, UQ colleges), its immigration pathways are province-specific (e.g. the Québec Experience Program for graduates, which is outside IRCC’s federal cap).

In short, Canada has a diverse range of top schools and many province-driven immigration paths. By studying in a target province and program, you can boost your post-study options. We advise choosing a school and region that align with your career and long-term plans.

4. Why Choose UW Immigration?

At United World Immigration Services, we know this process can feel overwhelming – but you don’t have to do it alone. Our founder, Deepika Minhas, is a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (CICC) with 10+ years of experience. She combines deep legal knowledge with a personal, human touch. She says, “I’m honoured to help individuals and families take this life-changing step,” and her goal is to give clients the same care and attention she would want for herself.

• Experienced & Licensed: Deepika has been guiding students and professionals since 2013 and became CICC-licensed in 2021. She’s an expert in study visas and will help you understand evolving policies (like the ones above) so nothing catches you by surprise.
• Comprehensive Services: We don’t just do study permits – our firm covers all visa types. Whether you need advice on a study permit, post-graduate work permit, work visa, visitor visa, or a pathway to PR, we provide personalized solutions. We serve clients worldwide (India, Philippines, UK, etc.) and tailor each case to your needs.
• Multilingual Support: Deepika is fluent in Hindi and Punjabi, so language is never a barrier. We ensure complex details are explained clearly in your language so you feel confident every step.
• Human, Compassionate Approach: Many students have praised us for our empathy and support. Deepika emphasizes a personalized, caring approach, walking you through paperwork, answering questions, and even reassuring you when things seem tough. Our clients often say we go “above and beyond” to make the journey smooth and stress-free.

In short, UW Immigration offers expert help with a heart. We stay up-to-date on all the latest Canada policy changes (like SDS ending, PGWP rules, permit caps, etc.) so you don’t have to. And we guide you warmly, honestly, and patiently through every form and interview. You can trust us to look after your dream of studying in Canada as if it were our own.

Ready to Get Started? (Call to Action)

Decided to make Canada your study destination? We’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation – let’s discuss your goals and prepare a winning application. We can answer your questions about choosing a school, gathering documents, and meeting all requirements.

• 📞 Phone: (778) 389-1920
• ✉️ Email: contact@uwimmigration.com

Don’t wait – spots for September intakes fill quickly. Call or email now, and UW Immigration will help turn your Canadian study dreams into reality. We look forward to working with you!