International students no longer guaranteed permanent residency in Canada

Canada has announced the closure of all pathways for international students to secure permanent residency after completing their studies, leaving thousands facing uncertain futures.

For years, international students, including Ghanaians have utilized the study permit pathway as a popular route to secure permanent residency and citizenship.

Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller announced sweeping policy changes, effectively closing this route.

“Being a student in Canada does not come with a guarantee of permanent residency”.

“Maintaining balance and order is key to Canada’s immigration policy, separating study and residency permits”.

“International students must return to their countries of origin upon expiry of their study permits, Canada’s latest immigration policies dictate, effective 2025,” he stated.

Canada is also terminating the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program and halting asylum claims tied to such immigration pathways.