This document is prepared by Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and provides important information to help international students navigate recent changes to study permits in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. It covers various topics, including the new study permit cap, updated financial requirements, working hours, and documentation needed for study permit applications. Additionally, the document outlines new policies related to the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), post-graduate work permit eligibility, and spousal work permits. These updates aim to ensure students are informed and prepared to meet the requirements for studying and working in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.

Glossary

TermDefinition
IRCC
PGWP
PAL
TAL
CAQ
LOA
SDS
DLI
CBL7
SOWP

CAP

Does the study permit cap affect my application to a university?

The study permit cap refers to the number of study permit applications that will be processed Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. The cap does not affect the assessment of individual applications.

Proof of Funds

When applying for my study permit, do I need to provide proof of funds?

Starting January 1, 2024, international students, in all provinces except Quebec, must show proof of at least $20,635 CAD (for a single student) to cover one year of living expenses, in addition to the first year’s tuition and travel costs. For more information, see .

This applies to both new study permit applications outside Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and study permit extensions submitted within Ä¢¹½´«Ã½. To study in Quebec, international students must show proof of at least $15,078 CAD. For more information for the financial requirements refer to the .

Working while in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½

How many hours can I work while studying?

During full-time semesters, you can work up to 20 hours per week. You can work more than 1 job to make up these hours if you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.

During regularly scheduled breaks in the school year, you are allowed to work an unlimited number of hours. However, to be eligible for full-time work during these breaks, you must be a full-time student both before and after the break.

For more information, please refer to .

On June 29, IRCC proposed changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulation. One of the key changes includes increasing the allowed working hours for international students from 20 to 24 per week. However, these amendments are not yet in effect. For more information refer to: .

Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

What is a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?

A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is required as part of the study permit application process and serves as proof that you, as an international student, are included in the institution’s allocation. PALs are issued by the university. PALs are issued to students by the institution; this means that the university will issue PALs to students.

The PAL is a new requirement by IRCC. Any study permit application received by IRCC on or after January 22, 2024, that does not include a PAL will be returned and refunded.

What is a Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ)?

The Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) is the Quebec equivalent of the PAL and is required for international students studying in Quebec. It is issued by the Quebec government and must be included in your study permit application. If you plan to study in Quebec, a CAQ replaces the PAL requirement.

Who requires a PAL?

Undergraduate Students: As of January 22, 2024, you must include a PAL with your study permit application.

Exception: Students enrolled in schools in Quebec in a vocational program that leads to one of the following:

Visiting students: As of January 22, 2024, most study permit applicants need to provide a PAL unless you meet one of the .

Note: On September 18, IRCC announced new measures to include graduate international students in the cap for 2025. However, this measure is not yet in effect. For more information please visit: .

When do I submit my PAL?

Unless you meet one of the , you must submit a PAL

Students applying to post-secondary institutions in Quebec will need to follow the process outlined to obtain their Certificat d’acceptation du Québec and correctly submit their study permit application.

Am I guaranteed a study permit if I receive a PAL?

Receiving a PAL does not guarantee study permit approval. study permit applicants must still meet all the for a study permit to be issued.

I submitted a study permit application to IRCC with the PAL I received. My study permit application was denied. Do I need a new PAL when I reapply for a study permit?

If your study permit application to IRCC is denied, you can reapply for a study permit using this same PAL until the PAL expires.

Letter of Acceptance (LOA) verification process

What is the LOA verification process?

Applicants must submit a LOA from a DLI as part of their study permit application. The institution will verify the LOA directly with IRCC as part of the application process. This process is called the LOA verification process.

Students are not required to complete any additional steps to initiate the LOA verification process. Please note that the LOA Verification process and the PAL process are different.

How is the PAL different from the LOA verification process?

The PAL process and the LOA Verification process are two different processes.

IRCC is responsible for administering the LOA Verification process. Students are not required to take additional steps to initiate this process.

I’m applying for my study permit through the Study Direct Stream (SDS). Do I still need a PAL?

Yes. Starting January 22, 2024, all study permit applications submitted through SDS will require a PAL.

Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

What are the new requirements for current international students and recent graduates applying for a PGWP?

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must continue to meet the eligibility requirements (even after November 1, 2024) and complete a study program at a .

Please note: and special cases.

If you graduated from a university bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree program

If you graduated from any other university program

For more information on any required documents please visit: .

Spousal Open Work Permits

Can my spouse or common-law partner work while I study in Ä¢¹½´«Ã½?

According to the , your spouse’s eligibility for an open work permit depends on when the application was submitted.

If your spouse or common-law partner applied for an open work permit before March 19, 2024, they may be eligible for an if the following requirements are met:

If your spouse or common-law partner applied for an open work permit on or after March 19, 2024, they may be eligible if you hold a valid study permit and are: