Ottawa, February 5, 2024 – In an effort to address the unprecedented growth in the International Student Program, additional details have been released regarding reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable population growth in Canada while enhancing system integrity. The objective is to maintain the positive contribution of international students to Canadian campuses, communities, and the economy.

Cap and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL):

Commencing January 22, 2024, most post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must submit a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their study permit application. This serves as proof of the student’s inclusion in a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap. Applications lacking a PAL will be returned, unless exempt. Provinces and territories are expected to have PAL issuance plans by March 31, 2024.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Update for Master’s Graduates:

Recognizing the potential of master’s degree graduates to succeed in Canada’s labor market, changes effective February 15, 2024, grant a 3-year PGWP to those graduating from a master’s program under 2 years. Other PGWPs align with the study program’s length, to a maximum of 3 years.

PGWP Eligibility for Public-Private Partnership College Programs:

Concerns about the quality of education and student support in public-private partnership college programs led to changes restricting PGWPs for these institutions. Current students remain eligible, while new enrollees are ineligible.

Changes to Open Work Permit Eligibility for Spouses:

Updates in the coming weeks will limit open work permit eligibility to spouses and common-law partners of graduate and professional degree students. Spouses of students in other programs will no longer qualify unless they already hold an open work permit.

These reforms aim to balance the contributions of international students with the need for sustainable growth, system integrity, and program quality.