In recent months, Canada has witnessed a series of transformative changes to its study permit requirements, reshaping the landscape for international students. These modifications touch upon various aspects, from application procedures to eligibility criteria. Join us on a journey to explore the evolving framework that aims to enhance the experience of aspiring students seeking education in the Great White North.
One significant facet of these changes lies in the evolution of application procedures. Updates to the study permit process aim to streamline and enhance efficiency, ensuring a smoother experience for students navigating the application labyrinth. From documentation requirements to online submission processes, these alterations promise to simplify the journey from application to acceptance.
Canadian study permits have also witnessed a renewed emphasis on post-graduation opportunities. The modifications aim to better align the permit framework with the aspirations of international students, facilitating smoother transitions from education to the professional realm. The goal is to position Canada as an attractive destination, not just for learning but also for building impactful careers.
This table reflects the latest updates, requirements, and costs related to study permits, which were announced by the Canadian Government starting last year.
| Date of Announcement | Previous Requirement | Current Requirement | Level of Study Impacted | |
| Financial Requirement | December 7, 2023 | 1st Year of Tuition + CAD$10,000 | 1st Year of Tuition + CAD$20,635
This amount represents 75% of LICO, and will change every year |
All levels of study impacted:
· Primary · Secondary · Post-Secondary |
| Cap on Number of Applications Accepted | October 27, 2023 | None | 606,000 applications to be accepted annually | Post-secondary only |
| International Student Provincial Distribution | January 22, 2024 | None | Approximately 360,000 approved study permits. Cap in place for 2 years; number of study permits allowed to be distributed by province based on the population. Current study permit holders and renewals not impacted. | Post-secondary only |
| Provincial Letter of Attestation Required | January 22, 2024 | None | All post-secondary study permit applications must now include a Provincial Attestation. Provinces have until March 31 to put a system in place to get the attestations to students | Post-secondary only |
| DLIs will be required to confirm every applicant’s LOA directly with IRCC | October 27, 2023 | None | Provincial Attestation is required | Post-secondary only |
| “Recognized Institution” framework for IRCC-approved DLIs | October 27, 2023 | None | Framework will be instituted by fall 2024 semester and receive priority processing with IRCC | Post-secondary only |
| PGWP job specific criteria | October 27, 2023 | None | Labour-market dependent requirements and Francophone immigration goals | Post-secondary only |
| Curriculum licensing programs of study no longer eligible for PGWP | January 22, 2024 | None | No longer PGWP eligible | Post secondary only |
| Master’s Degree PGWP length | January 22, 2024 | PGWP length based on length of program of study | Master’s graduates will receive 3-year PGWPs | Post secondary only |
| Spousal Open Work Permit | January 22, 2024 | Available to spouses of all students in PGWP-eligible programs | Available only to spouses of Master’s and PhD program students – no longer available to undergrad or college students | Post secondary only |
