Recent Changes in Canadian Immigration🇨🇦

Greetings! We are excited to bring you the latest updates on significant changes that have unfolded in Canadian immigration. Change is a constant, and in this edition, we aim to shed light on the recent transformations that have come to the forefront, impacting the lives of immigrants. From policy adjustments to community initiatives, our newsletter aims to keep you informed and engaged with the evolving landscape. Join us as we navigate through the recent changes of our diverse immigrant community.

PGWP update for master’s degree programs

Starting February 15, 2024, if you're finishing a master's degree program that's less than 2 years long and meet all the requirements, you can now get a longer post-graduation work permit for 3 years. For other programs besides master's degrees, the work permit length will still match the duration of the study program, up to a maximum of 3 years.

International Students Intake

Starting January 22, 2024, most new international students in college or undergraduate programs need to include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from a province or territory with their study permit application. If this letter isn't included, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return the application, unless exempt.

The PAL acts as proof that the student is counted under a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap. Provinces and territories are expected to have a plan for issuing PALs by March 31, 2024. The Government of Canada is also working with Quebec to see if the certificat d’acceptation du Québec pour études can serve as a PAL.

Applicants before 8:30 a.m. on January 22, 2024, and those already approved for a study permit planning to come to Canada for an upcoming program, don't need to do anything due to the cap.

Who needs a PAL?

• Most post-secondary study permit applicants

• Most non-degree granting graduate programs (e.g., certificate programs, graduate diplomas)

• Others not on the exception list

Who doesn't need a PAL?

• Primary and secondary school students

• Master's or doctoral degree students

• Visiting or exchange students

• In-Canada study permit and work permit holders (includes those applying for an extension)

• In-Canada family members of study or work permit holders

• Students with applications received before 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024

Changes to open work permit eligibility for spouses

Coming soon, there will be updates to the eligibility criteria for open work permits for the spouses and partners of international students.

Who can get an open work permit?

• Only spouses and partners of students in graduate (master’s and doctorate) and professional degree programs will be eligible.

• If you're already eligible and looking to extend your existing work permit, you'll still qualify under this stream.

Who won't be eligible for an open work permit?

• Spouses and partners of international students in other levels of study, like undergraduate and college programs, won't be eligible unless they already have an open work permit under this stream.

Featured place of the month

Grouse Mountain is a year-round resort located in Vancouver, Canada. It is named after the blue or sooty grouse, a species of bird native to the area. The mountain’s highest elevation is 1,231 meters (4,038 feet) above sea level, so it’s sometimes referred to as “the peak of Vancouver”.

Make sure to hit the Subscribe button and share the link with your friends and family to never miss an update on our newsletter.

Please note that we do thorough research to confirm the authenticity and benefits of the services and include them in our newsletter with the intention of helping our readers.
Got suggestions/recommendations? Please reach out to us using the links below.