Impact of Canada's New 2024 Student Visa Rules on International Students

A recent clarification on reforms to Canada’s International Student Program provides insight into the new intake cap on international study permit applications and other policy adjustments. These measures, designed to recognize the valuable contributions of international students to Canada’s educational institutions and economy, aim to address the program’s rapid growth while enhancing system integrity and ensuring a positive experience for students in Canada.

Beginning January 22, 2024, most new international students applying for college or undergraduate programs in Canada must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from their province or territory with their study permit application. Applications submitted without a PAL, unless exempt, will be returned by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The PAL certifies the student’s allocation within Canada’s national intake cap, with provinces and territories expected to establish issuance guidelines by March 31, 2024. The government is also working with Quebec to accept the Certificat d’acceptation du Québec pour études as a PAL equivalent.

Who needs a provincial attestation letter?

• Most post-secondary study permit applicants.
• Most non-degree granting graduate programs.
• Others not listed in the exemption criteria.

Who doesn’t need a provincial attestation letter?

• Primary and secondary school students.
• Master’s or doctoral degree students.
• In-Canada visiting or exchange students at designated learning institutions.
• In-Canada study permit and work permit holders.
• Family members of study permit or work permit holders.
• Students with applications received before January 22, 2024.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Extension for Master’s Degree Graduates

Commencing February 15, 2024, graduates of master’s degree programs lasting less than two years are eligible for a longer, 3-year PGWP, aligning with the aim of providing them with sufficient Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence.

Who is eligible for a longer PGWP ?

• Graduates of master’s degree programs less than 2 years in length.
• Graduates of programs lasting at least two years at designated learning institutions.

PGWP Eligibility for Public-Private Partnership College Programs

PGWPs for public-private partnership college programs will be restricted to address concerns over education quality and student support. Current students will remain eligible, but new enrollments will not qualify for a PGWP.

Who is eligible for a PGWP after graduating from such programs?

• Current international students enrolled in these programs.

Who is not eligible for a PGWP after graduating from such programs?

• New students enrolling in public-private partnership college programs.

Changes to Open Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses

Updates to open work permit eligibility for spouses and common-law partners of international students are forthcoming, restricting eligibility to those in graduate and professional degree programs.

Explore Your Eligibility for Canadian Immigration

Who can get an open work permit ?

• Spouses and common-law partners of students in graduate and professional degree programs.

Who will not be eligible for an open work permit?

• Spouses and common-law partners of students in other levels of study, unless already holding an open work permit under this stream.

Spouses and common-law partners of students in other levels of study, unless already holding an open work permit under this stream.