Canada has recently made several changes in its immigration policies. These announcements in the study visa system from Canada were met with a lot of criticism from people all over the world. Here is an effort to understand what these changes mean and how they affect us.

People came up with a lot of questions as these announcements were made. At present, we can only think of probable answers to these questions. One question is prominently featured in the questions that are being asked. People want to know if the field in which they want to study, is mentioned in the long-term skill shortage list. They are asking this question because Canada will only give permanent residency in those occupations that are mentioned in this list.

The skill shortage list from Canada is used to identify occupations and skills that are in demand. It also acts as a guide on how foreign workers will be hired. The list mentions the eligibility requirements for a worker to be hired, including the required qualifications and work experience. Prospective international students can also use this list to pick a study programme for an occupation that will be in demand in future. Canada will be more willing to grant permanent residency if the international student has pursued education in one of the occupations in demand.

Long-Term Shortage List May Alter Many Career Plans

An announcement for the skill shortage list will be made later this year. The term ‘later’ that is floated by the Canadian government is creating a negative impact on the student fraternity. As this list has not yet been disclosed, it is difficult for aspiring international students to decide which programme to choose that can clear their path to permanent residency. This confusion is there not only in those students who are applying for study visas for Canada but also among those already studying in Canada.

Student fraternity is not sure as to what factors Canada will consider in making this list. Will it consider the efforts present international students are making? Students enrolling in programmes starting in 2025 should be aware that their post-graduation work permit eligibility depends on whether the programme is mentioned in the skill shortage list. So what can be the way out for the students stuck in such a situation?

First is the group of students who are already studying in Canada and will be completing their studies in November. All these students will have to appear for language proficiency before they can apply for a post-graduation work permit. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates should score Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 and college graduates need CLB 5 to be eligible for PGWP. 

The second group of students are those who have applied for the January 2025 intake. We are specifically mentioning this intake period because it comprises students who have already submitted everything. At this juncture, they are only waiting for a result from the embassy. These are the students who have already deposited their fees, GIC, and other documents. At this point, such students cannot take a U-turn. How can these students move ahead? 

Learn The Art to Adapt Changes in Immigration Policies

Students should learn the art of separating the information they receive from the internet, immigration consultants, and the things they hear from people around them. The advice that we receive from friends is only suggestions. Professional and legally right advice can only be received from those who are making a living in this industry. Talk to overseas education consultants in Chandigarh to plan better for study visas. If you plan to move to Canada after suggestions from friends, your efforts and aim of moving to Canada will go in vain.

Many students run after becoming permanent residents of Canada. However, they lack the competency and skills that Canada demands. Later on, they complained that they were not able to get the PR of Canada as they could not accumulate the number of points required. Most of these students take a study visa as a shortcut to work in Canada. They leave their studies mid-way or pursue education in a field that is quite basic. All these students fail to understand the demand that is put forward by developed countries like Canada, Australia, the US, and others.

What Developed Countries Expect from International Students

Developed countries want international students to pursue education in STEM-related fields and are granting easy permanent residency to such students. However, the dilemma is that the majority of students search for the easiest programme they can pursue while they apply for a study visa. Most of us are running after quick jobs such as truck driving or counter-sales jobs. 

The recent changes announced by the Canadian government on post-study work visas, or related to provincial attestation letters are because most students are not able to make the right decision for themselves. Many institutions refuse to give PAL for certain courses because they want students to pursue programmes that are demanded in the future. All these changes are for the overall benefit of international students.

The freedom of movement given by Canada during the pandemic was the need of the hour. They wanted people to work for their economy and temporary residents needed jobs to survive the lockdown. Canada used the open-door policy allowing anyone to work for as much as they want. However, this liberty was only for a short period till their economy came back to normal. Thousands of people benefitted from this policy. Now, we should not complain as this facility is being taken away.

Today, many are of the view that it has become difficult to immigrate to Canada. The reality is things have become difficult for those who do not know which fields will create jobs in the future. It is difficult if we do not know which programme to pursue for making a career in that field, and how to search for jobs there. Expert guidance on this can be received from immigration consultants in Chandigarh. 

The Takeaway

We will see several changes in the Canadian education system in 2025. When the long-term skill shortage list is released by Canada or other countries, things will change forever. If you move to Canada to pursue education in a field related to the skill shortage list, only then your future is secure there, otherwise not. Education is that door for people, through which the world of opportunities opens up. A fulfilling career and a satisfying life are waiting for them as they pass through this door.