Canada has released clarifications following the announcement of an admissions cap on new overseas study permit applicants. The revised rules governing post-graduate work permits and the acceptance of provincial attestation letters will assist overseas students in making better decisions. The explanations attempt to clarify any confusion about who needs and does not need a provincial attestation letter, who is and is not eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after graduation, and other issues.

In January 2024, the Government of Canada set an intake cap on international student permit applications for two years. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023.

Now, Canada has released clarifications on these admissions caps on new overseas study permit applicants.

Provincial Attestation Letter

As of 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024, most new post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from a province or territory with their study permit application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return any application received that does not include a PAL, unless otherwise exempt.

This attestation will prove that the student has been accounted for under a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap. Provinces and territories have been asked to have a plan in place for issuing PALs by March 31, 2024. The Government of Canada is working with the Government of Quebec to determine how the certificat d’acceptation du Québec pour études could serve as a PAL.

International students whose applications were received by IRCC before 8:30 a.m. on January 22, 2024, as well as those who have already been approved for a study permit and intend to travel to Canada for an upcoming program, do not need to take further action as a result of the cap.

Who needs a provincial attestation letter?

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 provincial attestation letter?

Primary and secondary school students
Master’s or doctoral degree students
Visiting or exchange students
In-Canada study permit and work permit holders (includes study permit holders applying for an extension)
In-Canada family members of study permit or work permit holders
Students whose application we received before 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Update

In recognition that graduates of master’s degree-granting programs are excellent candidates to succeed in Canada’s labour market and potentially transition to permanent residence, the government has made a change to the length of the PGWP, so that they have the opportunity to meet the required Canadian work experience to apply for their permanent residence.

Starting on February 15, 2024, a longer, 3-year post-graduation work permit 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.

Graduates of programs that are at least two years in length at PGWP-eligible designated learning institutions are eligible for a 3-year PGWP, as are graduates of master’s degree programs less than 2 years in length.

PGWP Eligibility for College Programs

Some provinces allow public colleges to license their curriculum to be delivered by an affiliated private college. In these cases, students physically attend a private college but graduate with a diploma from a public institution. Concerns have been raised about the quality of education provided by these institutions, as well as the lack of sufficient student support. Ontario’s Auditor General has also raised concerns about a lack of oversight of program quality and student services at these institutions.

As such, IRCC has made a change to restrict PGWPs for these institutions, anticipating that without the ability to apply for a PGWP, there will be a reduction in the number of international students enrolling in them.

International students currently enrolled will remain eligible for a PGWP if they meet other program eligibility criteria. New students enrolling in this program will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.

Open Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses

In the coming weeks, eligibility for open work permits for the spouses and common-law partners of international students will be updated. Eligibility is limited to the spouses and common-law partners of students in graduate (master’s and doctorate) and professional degree–granting programs only. Once these changes are in effect, spouses and common-law partners of international students seeking to extend their existing work permits will continue to be eligible under this stream.

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 open work permit unless they already hold an open work permit under this stream.