Welcome to the Guberman // Appleby Immigration lawyers Update. We hope you find the information provided relevant to your immigration needs. Our objective is to highlight recent changes in immigration that are of interest to our readers. If you have specific questions relating to this update, feel free to contact us at info@gaimmlaw.com.
Today’s topics:
- Changes to PGWP Eligibility Criteria: What International Students Need to Know
- Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program: High and Low Stream
- Canadian Immigration Levels Announced
- Best Law Firm: Guberman//Appleby Immigration Lawyers included!
- Changes to PGWP Eligibility Criteria: What International Students Need to Know
In response to recent announcements aimed at managing the number of temporary residence in Canada, IRCC has introduced key updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program and Study Permit intake. Starting in 2025, Canada will reduce its study permit cap to 437,000, down from 485,000 in 2024, a level that will stay steady through 2026. This cap is part of a strategic plan to align Canada’s immigration program with available housing, services, and labor market needs.
Effective November 1, 2024, there will be significant changes impacting eligibility criteria. University graduates with degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral) will need a minimum language proficiency of CLB/NCLC 7, while college graduates require CLB/NCLC 5. Language test results must be less than two years old at application time. Additionally, non-university graduates will qualify only if their studies are in high-demand sectors like Agriculture, Healthcare, STEM, Trades, or Transport.
Further, work permits for spouse of foreign students will be limited to spouses of master’s students in programs 16 months or longer. Current PGWP rules remain in effect for those who apply before November 1, 2024, or graduates of eligible flight schools.
- Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program: High and Low Stream
A major shift in wage requirements for Labour Market Impact Assessment application is coming soon. Starting November 8, 2024, employers hiring through the high-wage stream of the TFWP will need to offer wages at least 20% above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage for the location of work. For example, in Ontario, the current high wage minimum is $28.39. Under the new 20% increase it will be $34.07 or higher. The above noted changes is addition to the recent changes to the low wage LMIA stream Guberman// Appleby Immigration Update: September 2024 and Guberman // Appleby Immigration Update: Temporary Freeze on Low-Wage Occupations in Montréal Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Further, there have been changes to the accepted Business Legitimacy document. Attestation from accountant can no longer be provided to prove business legitimacy.
- Canadian Immigration Levels Announced
The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan from IRCC sets new targets for both permanent and temporary residents. Typically, IRCC only includes targets for permanent immigration streams (Economic, Family, Refugees, and Humanitarian), however, this year the levels plan introduces targets for international students and temporary foreign workers.
For temporary residents, the plan will limit them to 5% of Canada’s population by 2026. This includes caps on study permits, revised living cost requirements, and adjustments to work permit eligibility. Targets for temporary residents are set at 673,650 for 2025, 516,600 for 2026, and 543,600 for 2027, with a focus on sectors needing temporary labor while gradually shifting to more stable immigration channels.
Permanent resident targets will decrease annually, with 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. The Economic category, set at 62% by 2027, prioritizes skilled fields like healthcare and trades. Family reunification remains steady at 22%, and refugee/humanitarian admissions at 15%, with 21,200 targeted over three years. Francophone admissions outside Quebec aim to reach 10% by 2027, supporting Canada’s Francophone Immigration Policy and cultural diversity.
- Best Law Firm: Guberman// Appleby Immigration Lawyers Included!
The firm has achieved a prestigious Metropolitan Tier 1 in Toronto for Immigration Law and National Tier 2 ranking in Immigration Law.
The recognition speaks to the trust Guberman // Appleby Immigration Lawyers has earned across Canada and the U.S. Our Toronto-based immigration law firm endeavours to provide creative solutions that achieve immigration goals reliably and effectively. The ranking reflects our track record, as well as our dedication to client service.
We would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to our clients and colleagues for this recognition.
Best Lawyers® rankings are based on extensive research that incorporates feedback from nearly 3600 clients and over 7000 lawyers. The rankings are compiled based on detailed surveys of clients, law firm leaders and peers.
Recently, Joel Guberman and Lainie Michelle Appleby were recognized in Best Lawyers® Canada 2025 for Immigration Law in Toronto, and have been ranked among the top immigration lawyers since 2006. For more information
// CONTACT US
We welcome you to contact us directly to discuss the above. Please contact one of our immigration lawyers, by reaching out to our general line 416 548 7100 or via email info@gaimmlaw.com. Our immigration lawyers are always available to discuss any of your specific Canadian or US immigration queries either virtually or in person. We look forward to hearing from you.
