Update on International Student Programs
Hello World! Today, we would like to share updates on the important changes to the International Student Programs announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 22, 2024.
Please click here to read our previous article related to this topic!
Additional Information on the Changes
Cap and Additional Document for Study Permit Applicants
IRCC announced that it will limit the number of Study Permits issued annually and, in the spirit of fairness, the number of students accepted by each province or territory will be determined by the population of that area.
As of January 22, 2024, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from a province or territory is required for Study Permit applications submitted to IRCC.
Who needs a PAL?
- most post-secondary Study Permit applicants
- most non-degree granting graduate programs (for example, certificate programs and graduate diplomas)
- anyone else not included in the exception list below
Who doesn’t need a PAL?
- applications received before 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024
- preschool, primary school or secondary school students (up to grade 12)
- master’s or doctoral degree students
- you have entered Canada and one of the following situations applies to you:
- in-Canada Study Permit and Work Permit holder
- Study Permit holder applying for an extension
- temporary resident who is a visiting or exchange student studying at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- temporary resident who has completed a course or program of study that is a prerequisite to enroll at a DLI
- anyone under a removal order but can’t be removed from Canada at this time
- Temporary Resident Permit holder with a permit that’s valid for at least 6 months
- family members of a foreign national who lives in Canada and is one of the following:
- Study Permit holder
- Work Permit holder
- Temporary Resident Permit holder with a permit that’s valid for at least 6 months
- member of armed forces in another country under the Visiting Forces Act
- accredited foreign government representative
- participant in certain sports activities or events
- worker in Canada who is a member of a foreign news company
- religious worker
For more information on PAL, please visit the government website below.
Update on Duration of PGWP
Starting on February 15, 2024, 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will be available to those who are graduating from a master’s degree program that is less than 2 years and who meet all other PGWP eligibility criteria.
The length of PGWPs for programs other than master’s degrees will continue to align with the length of the study program to a maximum of 3 years.
Update on PGWP Eligibility
IRCC has made a change to restrict PGWPs and international students engaged in public college programs at private institutions will no longer qualify for the PGWP. The following is the additional detail for eligibility.
- Eligible for a PGWP: International students currently enrolled will remain eligible for a PGWP if they meet other program eligibility criteria.
- Not eligible for a PGWP: New students enrolling in this type of program will not be eligible for a PGWP.
Update on Spousal Open Work Permit (OWP)
In the coming weeks, eligibility for Open Work Permits for the spouses and common-law partners of international students will be updated. Spousal OWP will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs. The spouses of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible.
- Eligible for Spousal OWP: spouses and common-law partners of students in graduate (master’s and doctorate) and professional degree programs. Once these changes are in effect, spouses and common-law partners of international students seeking to extend their existing Work Permit will continue to be eligible.
- Not Eligible for Spousal OWP: The spouses and common-law partners of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible for an OWP unless they already hold an OWP.
For more information on this update, please check the government website below.
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We will continue to follow this news related to the International Student Program closely and will update this blog as new details are announced.
If you have any concerns about your Study Permit or PGWP application, please feel free to contact us here.
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