On September 18, 2024, IRCC announced several changes which will impact international students and workers in Canada. A quick summary of these changes is provided below.
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Starting November 1, 2024, all post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in English or French. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 for university graduates will be required.
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The study permit cap introduced in 2024 is here to stay. IRCC will soon extend the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement for those submitting a study permit application from outside Canada to international students entering a Masters or PhD program. Currently this is only a requirement for undergraduate students.
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Later this year, spouses of Masters degree students who wish to apply for a spousal open work permit must ensure that their partner is in a Masters degree program of 16 months (4 terms) or more.
Further details on the above changes should be provided by IRCC in the coming weeks.