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The Canadian government has recently announced several updates to study permit regulations and eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).

Here’s a summary of the key changes

Study Permit Updates

Cap on New Study Permits: For 2024, there will be a temporary cap on new international student permits to approximately 360,000, aiming to stabilize the number of international students in Canada. 

This measure will be in place for two years, with the cap for 2025 to be reassessed at the end of 2024.

Provincial Attestation Letter Requirement

Most new post-secondary international students will need to include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) with their study permit application, starting January 22, 2024.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Updates

Eligibility Criteria Changes

The eligibility criteria for the PGWP have been updated to ensure that the program aligns with the needs of the Canadian labor market. 

Notably, international students who begin a study program as part of a curriculum licensing arrangement after September 1, 2024, will not be eligible for a PGWP upon graduation.

Extended PGWP for Master’s Graduates: Graduates from master’s degree programs that are less than two years in length will now be eligible for a 3-year PGWP, starting February 15, 2024.

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Updates

The eligibility for SOWP has been revised. 

Open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs. 

Spouses of students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible.

For detailed information, talk to one of our immigration consultants.