Table of Contents
1. New PGWP Eligibility Criteria
2. Off-Campus Work Hour Restrictions for International Students
3. End of Flagpoling for PGWP Applications
4. Termination of Student Direct Stream (SDS)
5. New Rules for Spousal Open Work Permits
6. New Rules for Study Permit Applications at Ports of Entry
How These Changes Affect International Students
1. New PGWP Eligibility Criteria
Effective November 1, 2024, international students applying for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) must meet revised eligibility requirements.
These changes depend on when your study permit application was submitted and your program of study.
For Students Submitting Study Permit Applications On or After November 2024:
- University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degrees):
- Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all language skills.
- Field of Study: No restrictions; all fields are eligible.
- Graduates from Other University Programs:
- Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French).
- Field of Study: Must be in a high-demand area in Canada.
- College Graduates or Other Programs:
- Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French).
- Field of Study: Limited to programs aligned with long-term labor market shortages.
Eligible Fields of Study:
The new criteria emphasize aligning studies with in-demand occupations. Eligible fields include:
- healthcare occupations
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations.
- trade occupations
- transportation occupations
- agriculture and agri-food occupations
2. Off-Campus Work Hour
RESTRICTION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Students may now work a maximum of 24 hours per week, up from the previous limit of 20 hours per week.
This change aims to balance students’ academic responsibilities with their work commitments, helping them focus on their studies while gaining valuable work experience.
3. End of Flagpoling for PGWP
Applications
As of June 21, 2024, international students can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border, a process commonly referred to as “flagpoling.”
What is Flagpoling?
Flagpoling involved temporarily leaving Canada and returning to secure same-day immigration services at the border.
This practice has now been eliminated to reduce inefficiencies and enhance the integrity of the system.
International students must now apply for their PGWP online or through regular immigration channels within Canada.
4. Termination of SDS
Stream (SDS)
In November 2024, IRCC officially ended the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) visa programs.
Why Were These Programs Discontinued?
- The SDS, introduced in 2018, expedited study permit processing for students from countries such as India, China, and the Philippines. However, concerns about vulnerabilities and fairness led to its discontinuation.
- By terminating these programs, IRCC aims to create a more level playing field for all applicants and reduce exploitation within the system.
5. New Rules for Spousal Open
Work Permits
As of 2024, new criteria have been introduced for spouses or common-law partners of international students applying for open work permits.

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Eligibility is now limited to spouses of students enrolled in professional degree programs at a university, such as a master’s or doctorate program:
- Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS, DMD)
- Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
- Medical doctor (MD)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm), Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Veterinary medicine doctor (DVM)
- Nursing Bachelor of Science (BScN, BSN, or BNSc)
- Education Bachelor’s Degree (B. Ed.)
- Engineering Bachelor’s Degree (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
This move aligns with Canada’s focus on admitting high-skilled workers and addressing labor market needs.
6. New Rules for Study Permit
Applications at Ports of Entry
Starting December 23, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET, international students will no longer be able to apply for a study permit at a Canadian port of entry.
This rule affects most foreign nationals already in Canada.
Key Changes:
- Study permit applications and extensions must now be submitted online.
- If a student on maintained status (formerly called implied status) leaves Canada, they lose their ability to study upon return. They must wait for their study permit application to be approved before resuming studies.
This change ensures better oversight of study permit applications and reduces processing inconsistencies.