Intake Cap on Study Permits
- Cap Set for 2024: Approximately 364,000 approvals, a 35% reduction from 2023.
- Selective Exclusions: Excludes renewals, master’s, doctoral, elementary, and secondary education students.
Allocation Across Provinces and Territories
- IRCC’s Role: Distributes based on population and educational needs.
- Local DLI Allocation: Provinces and territories to allocate permits among DLIs.
- Allocation Process:
- Caps Based on Population: The allocation of study permits is based on the population of each province and territory. This means that the number of permits each area receives will be proportional to its population size.
- Distribution Among Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs): Once the provincial or territorial cap is determined, the provinces and territories will distribute their allocated permits among their DLIs. This allows each province and territory to manage the allocation of international students to its educational institutions.
New Attestation Letter Requirement
Implementation Date: Mandatory from January 22, 2024.
Purpose: Most students planning to study in Canada will need to provide an attestation letter from the province or territory where they plan to study.
Process for Obtaining an Attestation Letter: Each province or territory is developing its process to issue attestation letters, expected to be in place by March 31, 2024.
Application Policy: Applications received on or after January 22, 2024, without an attestation letter will be returned, except for exempt categories.
Exemptions: This requirement does not apply to certain student categories, including minors and post-graduate program students (Masters and PhDs).
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program Adjustments
- Program-specific Eligibility Changes: Effective September 1, 2024,
- Extended Eligibility for Graduates: 3-year work permit for master’s and specific graduate programs.
Changes to PGWP Eligibility for Private-Public Partnership Colleges
- Effective September 1, 2024: International students in curriculum licensing agreements with private-public partnership colleges ineligible for PGWP.
- Specific Impact: Targets programs where private colleges deliver curriculum associated with public colleges.
- Affected Colleges: these changes may not affect all private colleges. Those under curriculum licensing agreements with public colleges face these changes.
Public Colleges and PGWP
- Status Quo Maintained: Public colleges remain eligible for PGWP
Professional Programs may have Exception
- Exceptions: Certain professional programs, such as those in medicine or law, may still offer PGWP eligibility despite these changes.
Verifying DLI Eligibility for PGWP
- Critical Verification: Students must check their DLI’s eligibility on the Canadian government website.
List of few Ontario Colleges Involved in Public-Private Curriculum Licensing Partnerships
| Public College | Private College (Curriculum Licensee) | Locations |
| Algonquin College | CDI College Business, Technology and Healthcare | Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, North York |
| Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology | Hanson College of Business, Health and Technology | Toronto, Brampton |
| Canadore College | Stanford International College of Business and Technology | Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough |
| Fanshawe College | ILAC International College | Toronto |
| Fleming College | Trebas Institute Ontario Inc. | Toronto |
| Georgian College | ILAC International College | Toronto |
| Lambton College | Queen’s College of Business, Technology and Public Safety | Mississauga |
| Lambton College | Cestar College of Business, Health and Technology | Toronto |
| Loyalist College | Toronto Business College | Toronto |
| Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology | triOS College Business Technology Healthcare Inc | Mississauga |
| Niagara College Canada | Toronto School of Management | Toronto |
| Northern College | Pures College of Technology | Scarborough |
| Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology | Trios College | Toronto, Brampton |
| Sheridan College | Canadian College of Technology and Trades | Fort Erie |
| St. Clair College | Ace Acumen Academy | Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton |
| St. Lawrence College | Alpha College of Business and Technology | Toronto |
Planning your education journey in Canada for the long term:
When planning your education in Canada with an eye toward future immigration, including possible participation in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), it’s essential to approach this with a strategic mindset. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively plan your study in Canada considering your long-term goals:
Understanding Study Permit and PGWP Rules
- Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates on study permit regulations and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. The Government of Canada’s immigration website is a reliable source.
- Impact of Changes: Be aware of how recent policy changes, like study permit caps or modifications in PGWP criteria, might influence your education and post-study plans.
Utilizing Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs)
- Professional Advice: RCICs are professionals authorized to provide legal immigration advice. They can guide you on how your study choices align with immigration pathways.
- Verification: Always confirm that the consultant is registered with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) to ensure you’re receiving credible advice.
Aligning Education with Immigration and PNP Goals
- Choose Programs Wisely: Select study programs that not only align with your career goals but also fit well with various immigration pathways, including PNPs.
- Provincial Opportunities: Research the specific PNP streams of provinces you are interested in. Some provinces may favor certain fields of study or occupations.
- Long-term Perspective: Consider how your field of study can impact your eligibility for permanent residence, particularly under the Canadian Experience Class or through PNPs.
Risks of Unregulated Immigration Consultants
- Misinformation: Unregulated consultants might provide incorrect advice, leading to setbacks in your immigration process.
- Unethical Practices: Be cautious of overcharging, fraudulent guarantees, or other unethical behaviors.
For reliable and professional advice on immigration matters, it’s crucial to consult with Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or immigration lawyers. Ensure that your representative is authorized and licensed by verifying their credentials. You can check the status of your representative for legitimacy by visiting the official verification page. Here’s the link to verify if your representative is licensed. This step is important to safeguard against misinformation and unauthorized guidance.
For more information, visit the Government of Canada’s official website.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is an analysis based on the recent changes to Canada’s Study Permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policies announced on January 22, 2024. Readers are advised to consult official government websites and authorities for the most current and accurate information before relying on this article. This content is intended for analysis and overview purposes only. Further clarification regarding the colleges affected and other specific details should be awaited from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For official and detailed information, please visit the IRCC website and other relevant government resources.
