On January 22nd, IRCC announced significant changes to Canada’s international student program. A new cap on study permit approvals for 2024 has been imposed, and a novel provincial attestation letter policy is now mandatory for international students seeking study permits. Stay informed about IRCC’s Study Permit Update.
As a result of these announcements, prospective international students are left to deal with a great deal of uncertainty regarding the actual effects of the recent changes and how they might affect applications for study permits. This article seeks to allay common worries about studying in Canada by illuminating the data that the IRCC has released thus far. The goal is to provide students some clarity as they navigate these developments.
When will the latest adjustments take effect?
IRCC has instituted a new cap on study permits and introduced an attestation letter process as of January 22nd. For the balance of the year, only 360,000 study permit applications will be accepted under this new procedure. It is significant to remember that the administrations of the provinces and territories have not yet completed the procedure for providing attestation letters. The deadline for provinces and territories to create and put into place the required processes for this attestation letter process is March 31st of this year. This schedule gives regional authorities enough leeway to adjust to the new IRCC criteria.
Will the recent alterations have any impact on my plans to come to Canada soon, considering I already possess a letter of acceptance?
The most recent modifications to the foreign student program will particularly impact those who were unable to submit their study visa applications before January 22, 2024. Therefore, those who did not start their study permit application before the specified date would be subject to the recently implemented restrictions, even if they have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) verifying their acceptance to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Do I need to wait until March 31st to submit my study permit application?
There is currently ambiguity as to whether overseas students will have to wait until the end of March to apply for study permits. The provinces and territories of Canada are now responsible for making this decision since they have to come up with a process for sending attestation letters to foreign students. If the governments of the provinces and territories are able to successfully create and execute this framework by the end of March, international students may be able to begin the process of applying for study permits earlier.
Are there any study permit applications submitted after January 22nd that are not subject to the new cap and process?
As per the information provided by IRCC, specific study permit applications will be exempt from the aforementioned new changes. These include:
- Minor children applying for enrollment in primary or secondary school (kindergarten to grade 12) are exempt from these changes.
- These modifications do not affect students seeking admission to a master’s, PhD, or other post-graduate program.
- Students applying for the extension or renewal of their study permits are also exempt from the new policies.
Is IRCC approval required if I intend to change my educational institution in 2024?
At present, there is a lack of clarity regarding the procedures that international students intending to switch their Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) will need to follow in the upcoming year. Anticipate that the IRCC may provide more comprehensive guidance on this matter as the year progresses.
Is this a lasting alteration to the international student program?
The information that was made public on January 22nd states that the process for attestation letters and the recently implemented cap on overseas students is a temporary measure that will be in place for the next two years. At the end of the current year, IRCC will review and reevaluate the cap placed on overseas students for the year 2025.
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