Canada’s recent policy changes have unexpectedly created better long-term PR opportunities for incoming international students, with reduced competition, stronger focus on Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and improved prospects for PGWP holders.
What is this news about?
Canada has reduced the number of international students it will admit, while keeping permanent residence (PR) spots relatively stable. Surprisingly, this is good news for new students who plan to study first and then immigrate.
In short:
Fewer students now = less competition for PR later
Why this is good news for incoming students
1-Less competition in the future
- Canada cut international student intake by 49% for 2026.
- But economic PR admissions will increase slightly.
This means that 5–7 years from now, there will be fewer graduates competing for PR, making it easier for today’s incoming students to qualify.
2-Timing works in your favor
Most students:
- Study 4 years (Bachelor’s)
- Get a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Become eligible for PR 5–6 years later
By 2032–2033, the huge student batches from 2022–2023 will be gone:
- Their PGWPs will have expired
- Many will already have applied for PR or left Canada
📉 Result: Less crowd, lower competition
3-Canadian bachelor’s degrees give strong PR advantage
A Canadian bachelor’s degree:
- Is exempt from PGWP field-of-study restrictions
- Gives up to 3 years PGWP
- Adds 30 CRS points for Express Entry
- Helps secure Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility
This is one of the strongest study-to-PR pathways in Canada.
4-Canada is favoring CEC candidates
Since April 2024:
- No general Express Entry draws
- Focus is on:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominees
- Category-based draws
This directly benefits PGWP holders, because:
- CEC requires 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience
- PGWP is the easiest way to gain that experience
5-Removal of job-offer bonus points helps students
Previously:
- Employer-sponsored workers had an advantage (50–200 CRS points)
Now:
- Bonus points for arranged employment are removed
- Open work permit holders (PGWP students) are on equal footing
✅Thislevels the playing field for international graduates
6-Cuts to Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP reduce competition)
Canada is also cutting down temporary foreign workers.
Why this matters:
- Fewer TFWP workers = fewer people competing in CEC
- TFWP workers often have foreign skilled experience, giving them extra CRS points
With fewer of them:
PGWP holders face weaker competition
The big picture
Even though:
- PR scores are high today
- Policies can change
The overall direction shows that:
✔ Smaller student intakes
✔ Preference for Canadian experience
✔ Reduced competition from workers
📈 All of this benefits students entering Canada now
Final takeaway
If you’re an international student planning to study in Canada now, your long-term PR chances may actually be better than previous batches.
This is quietly positive news for the study → work → PR pathway in Canada.
📞 Contact Us
Planning to study in Canada and settle there permanently?
Our expert counselors can guide you through study permits, PGWP options, and PR pathways.
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📩 Email: info@wacconsultants.com