International students planning to settle in Canada as permanent residents (PRs) after their studies are set to benefit from recent cuts to the international student program.

The notion that reductions in the student program will be advantageous for incoming students may come as a surprise.

Despite lowered permanent residence admissions targets in 2025 and increased competition through Express Entry, there are significant advantages for international students aiming to immigrate to Canada:

• Lower international student admissions mean less competition.
• The focus on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates benefits graduates with post-graduation work permits (PGWPs).
• The removal of bonus points for arranged employment favors open work permit holders.
• Cuts to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) reduce competition.

Reduced Targets for International Student Admissions

With a 49% drop in international student admissions target for 2026, incoming students can anticipate less competition for permanent residence, as fewer graduates will vie for the same number of PR spots in the future.

The federal government’s Immigration Levels Plan shows a 3% increase in economic permanent resident admissions targets for 2026, compared to 2025.

Despite high selection scores for permanent residents and a surplus of post-graduation work permit holders, the advantage for incoming international students lies in the long-term perspective.

A Canadian bachelor’s degree offers a significant edge in pursuing PR, exempt from PGWP field of study requirements, leading to a three-year PGWP, and providing 30 bonus CRS points.