Additional information about International Student Program reforms
- February 5, 2024
- Posted by: CMSadmin
- Category: Uncategorized
1. Cap and provincial attestation letter
“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
2. Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) update for graduates of master’s degree programs
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.
Who is eligible for a longer post-graduation work permit (PGWP)?
- 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.
3. PGWP eligibility for public-private partnership college programs
Who is eligible for a PGWP after graduating from a public-private partnership college program?
- International students currently enrolled will remain eligible for a PGWP if they meet other program eligibility criteria.
Who is not eligible for a PGWP after graduating from a public-private partnership college program?
- New students enrolling in this type of program will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
4. Changes to open work permit eligibility for spouses
Who can get an open work permit?
- 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 permit will continue to be eligible under this stream.
Who will not be eligible for an open work permit?
- 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.”
