Maple News reports that recent policy changes to Canada’s international student program may offer long-term advantages for newcomers seeking permanent residence (PR) through the study-to-immigrate pathway.
At first glance, it might seem counterintuitive. With reduced admission targets for permanent residents in 2025 and intensified competition under Canada’s Express Entry system, some might expect international students to face greater hurdles. However, recent developments suggest that those arriving to study in 2025 and beyond may ultimately benefit from the changes.
Key factors are aligning to create a more favorable environment for future permanent residence seekers. First, Canada’s federal government has significantly reduced the number of new international students allowed to enter in 2026—capping it at 155,000 compared to 305,900 in 2025. That’s a 49% decrease, meaning less competition among future graduates vying for permanent residence.
Meanwhile, the 2026 economic immigration target has seen a slight increase—from 232,150 in 2025 to 239,800. This suggests that while fewer international students will be admitted, the pool of permanent resident spots remains relatively stable—or even slightly expanded.
Another major advantage lies in the structure of Canada’s Express Entry system. The government has been increasingly prioritizing Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates—applicants with recent Canadian work and study experience. Most international students are eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), making them well-positioned to qualify under CEC.
Moreover, changes to the Express Entry system in March 2025 eliminated bonus points for arranged employment. This shift levels the playing field, offering a relative advantage to PGWP holders who traditionally hold open work permits and may not have arranged job offers at the time of application.
Cuts to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) also mean fewer people will be entering Canada via alternate work-focused streams, potentially decreasing competition for economic immigration slots.
Looking down the line—five to seven years ahead—students pursuing full Canadian degrees, especially bachelor’s programs, will find themselves uniquely positioned. Canadian education plus work experience gained through PGWPs has always been a strong combination for immigration applicants. Now with smaller international student cohorts and favorable Express Entry adjustments, their prospects in the coming years could be even stronger.
In summary, while the landscape is shifting, the pathway from study to settlement in Canada remains viable—and possibly more accessible—for the next generation of international students, according to Maple News.