Recent changes in IRCC rules and regulations for students has caused a lot of uncertainty. In this post, we attempt to bring you a list of all these changes to take the confusion out, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to deciding the duration and level of program to study and if you can bring your family along.

1. Eligibility of spouses for OWP – Spouses and common-law partners of students can only apply for open work permit for the duration of partner’s study permit if the partner is pursuing a Master’s, PhD or professional degree program (such as law, nursing, medicine, and engineering). This does not impact the eligibility of spouses/common-law partners of post graduate work permit holders. Meaning, even if a student does not enroll in a Master’s, PhD or professional degree program, spouse or common law partner may still be eligible for open work permit once the student transitions to a Post Graduation Work Permit and has a low or high skilled job.
2. Provincial Attestation Letter – This requirement applies to all students, unless exempt. All study permit applications must include a PAL. Master’s and PhD level students are exempt. There are other exemptions and the full list can be viewed here. The PAL is applied by the institution once the student usually fulfills the conditions in the offer letter, such as payment of initial tuition deposit.
3. Length of PGWP – The recent changes have been quite favorable for Master’s level students. Master’s students can qualify for a 3 years post graduation work permit, if they meet all requirements and their program is longer than at least 8 months. For other program levels, the eligibility has not changed, meaning, to qualify for a 3 years post graduation work permit, students still need to study for 2 academic years.
4. Private college work permit eligibility – Most public and private institutions are still eligible for post graduation work permit. Only certain institutions have lost eligibility and these usually include schools that are based on public-private licensing agreements. In such institutions, students are usually conferred public college degrees and diplomas, but taught in private college buildings. Programs started after 1st September 2024 in such institutions will not be eligible for PGWP. You can check the eligibility of a school for PGWP on IRCC website here.
5. Financial requirement – All study permit applicants must provide proof that they have sufficient funds for living expenses while studying in Canada. The requirement for living expenses has increased from CAD 10000.00 for one person, to CAD 20,635.00 starting 1st January 2024. Along with this, the student must also include proof of having enough funds for one year tuition fees.
6. Cap on international students – IRCC has put a temporary 2-year cap on international students. For 2024, this number is expected to be approximately 360,000 approved study permits in the year. Again some students are exempt from the cap, such as Master’s, doctoral, secondary and primary level students.
7. Work authorization of students – Very soon, the off-campus work hours for international students will increase to 24 per week from 20 per week this fall.

We will continue to update this page as new changes or updates related to international students are announced. If you are interested in studying in Canada and have questions or need assistance, please reach out to us at info@northworldimmigration.com or +1-647-807-7335 (available on WhatsApp).