Student Visa Restrictions: Canadian Government Reveals Details
Details of the controversial new measure have come to light.
On February 5, 2024, the Canadian government clarified the new foreign student reform, which limits study visas and makes it more difficult to obtain work permits.
In short, it's not as bad as many had feared, but some students will indeed be negatively affected. It's important to note that the rules continue to evolve, with additional restrictions introduced for 2024-2025.
Provincial Attestation Letters
Foreign students applying to colleges or universities must now provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) when applying for a study permit. The Immigration Ministry will reject all applications without this letter, except for cases that fall under exemptions.
Each province will have a limit on foreign students, and the letter will prove that the student is accounted for within this limit.
Canadian provinces and territories have until March 31, 2024, to develop a plan for issuing PALs. From 2025, the new PAL issuance period extends to December 31, 2025.
Provincial letters are not required for:
- Primary and secondary school students;
- Exchange program students;
- Students with existing study and work permits in Canada (including those applying for study permit extensions);
- Family members of students with study or work permits in Canada;
- Students who applied before the morning of January 22, 2024.
Important change: From September 2024, students applying for master's and doctoral programs must also obtain PALs. This exemption has been removed.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Good news for those planning to pursue master's and doctoral programs. From February 15, 2024, graduates of these programs will receive a 3-year post-graduation work permit. Previously, permits were issued for 1 to 3 years depending on the program length.
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Graduates of other programs will continue to receive PGWPs, provided they study at public institutions. The duration remains the same: 1-year work permit for 1-year academic programs, and 3-year permits for programs lasting 2 years or more.
A negative change affects those planning to attend private colleges. Canada will no longer issue PGWPs after these programs. This also impacts private colleges operating in partnership with public institutions and issuing public institution diplomas — from May 15, 2024, these programs will also not qualify for PGWPs.
Students already enrolled in such colleges can still obtain post-graduation work permits — the new rule only applies to new applicants.
New requirement from November 1, 2024: All graduates applying for PGWP must provide proof of language proficiency. Requirements vary by education level: CLB or NCLC level 7 for university graduates and level 5 for college graduates.
Work Permits for Students' Spouses
Changes also affect students' spouses. From January 21, 2025, open work permits will only be available to spouses or common-law partners of students in master's programs lasting 16 months or more, doctoral programs, and certain professional programs in natural and applied sciences.
Other programs — bachelor's, certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, college programs, and the like — will not entitle spouses to request work permits in Canada.
Again, spouses and partners of students who already have work permits are not affected by these changes and can renew their permits regardless of the student's program.
Assistance with Admissions and Visas
Despite some complications, the path of immigration to Canada through education remains a reliable choice. Many students will continue to receive work permits and can stay in Canada permanently thanks to a wide range of immigration programs for graduates and candidates with Canadian work experience.
We're ready to support you at every stage — from choosing an institution that will qualify you for a work permit, to applying for a student visa and arriving in Canada.
Don't put off studying in Canada! As practice has shown, rules can change quickly. Many who contacted us earlier have already arrived in Canada to study and won't be affected by the new restrictions.
Book a consultation on education to start your journey to Canada.
