immigration
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Updates – September 18, 2024
On September 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced additional changes to the International Student Program. These updates include the following key topics:
- In 2025, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) will be required for new graduate students,
- Starting November 1, 2024, a language proficiency requirement will be imposed on all post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applications; and
- Later this year, spouses and common-law partners of Masters students in programs less than 16 months, will no longer be eligible for an open work permit.
As we continue to wait for more details, we highly encourage you to closely monitor IRCC’s website for the most up-to-date information. We will also keep updating our News and Updates page as additional details become available.
Study Permit Application
Projected timeline: 2025
IRCC announced that the intake cap on study permits will be further reduced by 10% in 2025. In addition, the cap for 2025-2026 will also include graduate students studying at a master’s and doctoral level, who were previously exempt in 2024.
Starting in 2025, most new post-secondary Master’s and PhD students applying for a study permit outside Canada will be required to include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they intend to study with their application to IRCC.
New & Returning Graduate Students for Spring 2025 and onwards
Master’s and PhD Students
If you have already submitted a study permit application to IRCC, you will not be required to submit a PAL. No action is needed on your part.
If you will submit a study permit application outside Canada in 2025, you will require a PAL. Please check back here later for more information on how to obtain your PAL.
Graduate Students pursuing a study program other than a degree program
If you will be studying in a graduate program that does not lead to a SFU degree (e.g. a prerequisite, certificate or diploma program), you require a PAL unless exempted.
For information about how you will receive your PAL, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage.
SFU New & Returning Undergraduate Students from Outside Canada
Unless exempted, you must include a PAL in your study permit application. For information on how to receive your PAL, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage.
For current SFU undergraduate and graduate students in Canada who need to extend a study permit:
You are not impacted by the above change and are still exempt from the PAL requirement.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
SFU students who graduate from a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or a Doctoral degree program and who meet all of the PGWP eligibility criteria will continue to remain eligible for a PGWP up to three years.
New Language Proficiency Requirement
Effective date: November 1, 2024
All PGWP applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English. As noted in the Speaking Notes, it is our understanding that the language proficiency requirement is aligned with the language testing that is approved for permanent resident streams, with a validity of 2 years.
Starting on November 01, 2024, in support of a PGWP application, you must meet the following requirements:
- All PGWP eligibility criteria as outlined by IRCC, and
- Valid language test results that are equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 7 for university graduates.
We are waiting for IRCC to provide clarifications about the language test results and will update the page accordingly.
Open Work Permit eligibility for Spouses and Common-law Partners of Study Permit Holders
Projected Timeline: Later in Fall 2024
Currently, spouses and common-law partners of full-time international students who meet the eligibility criteria may apply for an open work permit.
Later this year, the open work permit eligibility will be limited. This means that spouses and common-law partners of Masters students in programs less than 16 months, will no longer be eligible to apply for an open work permit.
Further details will be provided by IRCC at a later date, and we will update this page when additional information is available.
Questions?
If you have questions, connect with an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for assistance.
IRCC announcement
If you would like to review the recent Sep 18 IRCC announcement related to the International Student Program, you can find them linked below: