Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently implemented several significant changes impacting the international student application process. This blog post summarizes the key updates you need to be aware of if you’re planning to study in Canada.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): A New Requirement
One of the most crucial changes is the introduction of the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Effective late January 2024, most new international students applying for study permits at the post-secondary (college or undergraduate) level will need a PAL from the province or territory where they intend to study. This letter verifies that your enrollment has been factored into the province’s designated quota within the national cap on study permits.
IRCC is working with the Quebec government to determine how their Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) can potentially serve as a PAL for students in that province. Applications without a PAL (unless exempt) will be returned by IRCC.
Who Needs a PAL?
Here’s a breakdown of who requires a PAL for a Canadian study permit application:
- Required: Most post-secondary applicants, most non-degree granting graduate programs (certificates/diplomas), and any international student not on the exemption list (see below).
- Not Required: Primary and secondary school students, Master’s or doctoral students, in-Canada exchange/visiting students at a DLI, existing study permit holders applying for extensions, in-Canada family members of permit holders, students already approved for a study permit, and students whose applications were received before January 22nd, 2024 (8:30 AM EST).
Additional Policy Changes
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Intake Cap on Study Permits: The federal government has implemented a national intake cap on study permits to manage new student growth across Canada. The 2024 cap is expected to result in around 360,000 approved permits, a 35% decrease compared to the previous year. This cap will be distributed proportionally across provinces based on population, and local governments will further allocate quotas to Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) within their regions. The 2025 cap will be reassessed later in 2024.
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Trusted Institutions Framework (TIF): IRCC plans to launch a TIF to offer benefits like prioritized study permit processing to DLIs that meet specific integrity criteria. More details about the framework and its implementation timeline (expected by Fall 2024) are forthcoming.
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Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility: Starting September 2024, international students enrolled in programs delivered through curriculum licensing arrangements with private colleges will no longer be eligible for a PGWP after graduation. However, effective February 15th, 2024, master’s degree graduates are now eligible for a three-year PGWP, as opposed to the previous duration linked directly to program length.
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Changes to Open Work Permit Eligibility: Soon, only spouses of international students pursuing Master’s or doctoral degrees will be eligible for open work permits. Spouses of students in undergraduate or college programs will no longer qualify. Details on this change are still pending from IRCC.
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Increased Cost-of-Living Requirement: As of January 1st, 2024, IRCC has raised the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants. This minimum amount will be adjusted annually based on updates to the low-income cut-off by Statistics Canada.
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New LOA Verification Process: Since December 2023, DLIs in Canada are mandated to verify every Letter of Acceptance (LOA) submitted by international students outside of Canada directly with IRCC through a secure online portal.
We recommend staying informed about these updates and consulting with official IRCC channels or immigration consultants for the most current information and guidance as you navigate the Canadian study permit application process.
