Canada’s immigration landscape for international students has recently experienced significant changes and updates. A notice from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has shed light on the specific requirements for provincial attestation letters (PAL) needed when applying for a Canadian study permit.
In late January, the federal government announced that most new post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must now provide a PAL from a province or territory as part of their study permit application. This documentation, along with Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) from Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), will ensure that students are accounted for under the national cap on study permits.
IRCC has set a deadline of March 31, 2024, for provinces and territories to establish a process for issuing PALs to international students. Additionally, IRCC is working with the Government of Quebec to determine how the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) could serve as a PAL.
It is important to note that IRCC will return any study permit application submitted without a PAL, unless the applicant is exempt. The notice outlines the categories of applicants who require a PAL, including post-secondary students, non-degree granting graduate programs, and specific international students, while exempting others such as primary and secondary school students and certain in-Canada permit holders.
Beyond the PAL requirement, IRCC is implementing additional reforms to strengthen Canada’s international student system. The introduction of an intake cap on study permits aims to stabilize growth across the country, with a reassessment planned for 2025. A Trusted Institutions Framework will offer benefits to DLIs meeting specific criteria, and changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit program and open work permit eligibility criteria are also underway.
Moreover, a cost-of-living requirement adjustment, new LOA verification process, and updates on the approval of study permits reflective of the changing international student landscape in Canada. These changes signal the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the international student system while supporting sustainable population growth.
For those considering studying in Canada, it is essential to stay informed about these developments and understand how they may impact your aspirations to study in this welcoming country.
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