Additional information is being provided to clarify the notice regarding limitations on the acceptance of new study permit applications and other changes. The notice includes:
1. Regarding the limitations and attestation letters from each province:
Starting at 8:30 AM ET on January 22, 2024, most international students after high school at the post-secondary or university level must provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from a province or territory along with their study permit application. The Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return any applications received without PAL, unless exempted.
The attestation serves as evidence that the student falls within the province or territory allocation within the national quota. Provinces and territories have been asked to have PAL plans in place by March 31, 2024. The Canadian government is working with the Quebec government to determine how the Certificat d'acceptation du Québec pour études can function as a PAL.
International students who submitted applications before 8:30 AM ET on January 22, 2024, and those with approved study permits planning to come to Canada for upcoming programs, do not need to provide an attestation letter.
Who needs a provincial attestation letter?
- Most post-secondary study permit applicants
- Most non-degree granting graduate programs (e.g., certificate programs & graduate diplomas)
- Others not listed in the exemptions
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Who does not need a provincial attestation letter?
- Elementary and high school students
- Master's or Ph.D. degree holders
- Visitors or exchange students
- Those with study and work permits in Canada (including those renewing study permits)
- Family members in Canada with study permits or work permits
- Students with applications submitted before 8:30 AM ET on January 22, 2024.
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2.Update on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for Master's Program Graduates:
Starting February 15, 2024, a 3-year PGWP will be granted to master's program graduates with less than a 2-year duration, meeting all other PGWP eligibility criteria.
The PGWP duration for non-master's programs will continue to align with the program length, up to a maximum of 3 years.
Who qualifies for a 3-year PGWP after graduation?
Students graduating from programs with a minimum duration of two years at designated learning institutions qualify for a 3-year PGWP, as well as students graduating from master's programs with less than 2 years duration.
3.PGWP Conditions for Public-Private Partnership College Programs:
Changes have been made to limit PGWP eligibility for these programs to address concerns about education quality and lack of support. International students currently enrolled in such programs still qualify for PGWP if they meet other program eligibility criteria.
Who qualifies for PGWP after completing a public-private partnership college program?
International students currently enrolled in these programs will still qualify for PGWP if they meet other program eligibility criteria.
Who does not qualify for PGWP after completing a public-private partnership college program?
New students registering for these programs will not be eligible for PGWP upon graduation.
4.Changes to Open Work Permit Conditions for Spouses:
In the coming weeks, conditions for granting open work permits to spouses of international students will be updated.
Who can receive an Open Work Permit?
- Limited to spouses and common-law partners of post-secondary (master's and Ph.D.) students and professional degree programs.
- Spouses and common-law partners of international students seeking to extend their current work permit will continue to qualify under these conditions.
Who will not qualify for an Open Work Permit?
Spouses and common-law partners of international students at other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible unless they already have an open work permit under this category.