COW – Measures Taken to Date – May 28, 2026

International Student Program:

Since late 2023, we have introduced integrity measures, including stronger verification of letters of acceptance, more consistent follow-up on flagged cases, and closer coordination with enforcement partners.
In 2024, we raised the financial requirements for international students to ensure they are prepared for life in Canada. The financial requirement is now adjusted every year in September.
In 2024, we set an intake cap on most international student study permit applications to ensure Canadian communities have the capacity to welcome them.
In 2024, we made changes related to off-campus work limits, we set new requirements for international students changing learning institutions, and new consequences for designated learning institutions that do not participate in mandatory student compliance reporting and letter of acceptance verification.
In 2026, as part of the International Talent Attraction Strategy, we introduced new measures for attracting graduate students to Canada, including 14-day processing for eligible PhD students and their families, and an exemption for master's and doctoral-level degree students enrolling in public institutions from the provincial or territorial attestation letter requirement.

In 2024, we introduced new language testing requirements for all PGWP applicants, as well as a requirement for students in non-degree programs to study in areas linked to jobs where Canada has long-term shortages.

2026-09-25