Latest updates
The information below is a brief overview of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s policy announcements since Jan 22, 2024, and is current at the time of publication.
- As of Jan 22, 2024, study permit applications from outside Canada require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Some students are exempt from the PAL, such as master’s degree and doctoral degree students. Find out how to get a PAL, if you need one.
- If you are a current student, plan ahead if your documents expire soon and you have travel plans. You would need to get a PAL if you apply for a study permit from outside Canada.
- As of Feb 15, 2024, graduates of master’s degree programs which are 8 months or longer can apply for a 3-year PGWP if eligible for the PGWP. (Graduate certificates and diplomas are not master’s degrees and thus do not qualify for this).
- As of March 19, 2024, only spouses of students in master’s degree, doctoral degree or professional degree programs are eligible for a spousal open work permit while pursuing studies. Extensions for current spousal work permits are not impacted so long as you remain eligible.
- The temporary policies allowing some international students to work more than 20 hours a week off-campus were not extended beyond April 30, 2024. From May 1, 2024, usual work eligibility resumes. Off-campus work hours may increase from 20 to 24 hours a week in the fall. Check the April 29, 2024 notice for more information.
- As of June 21, 2024, PGWP applicants can no longer apply at the Canada-US border through “flagpoling”. Learn about applying for the PGWP online.
Review the Jan 21, 2024 backgrounder, Jan 22, 2024 news release and Feb 5, 2024 notice for more details.
Last updated Aug 22, 2024 at 12:40 pm PT