Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) signalled a strategic shift on October 9, posting data that shows master’s and PhD students accounted for 21 per cent of new study permits issued between January and July 2026—up from 12 per cent a year earlier—even as overall study-permit approvals plunged 80 per cent. The department says it wants to “refocus” the International Student Program on quality, research output and long-term retention. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, IRCC officials highlighted two recent incentives: two-week processing for new PhD applicants and an exemption from provincial attestation-letter requirements for graduate students. Universities, which generally have higher retention and post-graduation earnings, are applauding the move, while language schools and career colleges fear closures. For employers, the policy means a smaller but potentially more skilled pipeline. “Graduate students often transition quickly to Post-Graduation Work Permits and Express Entry,” notes Karine St-Pierre at talent advisory firm Northern Hire. Firms in AI, biotech and clean tech may find it easier to recruit research assistants and junior scientists, especially if Ottawa later introduces targeted permanent-residence streams. International recruiters should adjust messaging: undergraduate seats will be harder to secure, and proof of financial capacity has tightened. Agents are advising would-be bachelor’s students to consider colleges with industry co-ops that feed into the new graduate-talent emphasis.
Source: Hindustan Times
