On February 5, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided further details on the recent announcement of reforms to the International Student Program; Canada aims to address the unsustainable growth in recent years while ensuring a positive experience for international students. As of January 22, 2024, post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from a province or territory with their study permit application. Secondary, effective February 15, 2024, graduates from master’s degree programs less than two years in length are eligible for an extended 3-year PGWP. This change supports their transition to Canada’s labour market and potential permanent residence. Other PGWP lengths remain aligned with the study program’s duration. IRCC has restricted PGWPs for public-private partnership college programs. Finally, open work permit eligibility for spouses and common-law partners of international students will be updated. These reforms aim to promote sustainable population growth in Canada, improve system integrity, and ensure a positive experience for international students.
