IRCC study permit policy updates

Last updated March 26, 2024

IRCC has recently announced a number of policy changes that will have a significant impact on those applying for a study permit from outside of Canada. These changes were announced in news releases from IRCC on December 7, 2023, and January 22, 2024.

Please refer to the FAQ below for more detailed information on how these changes may impact you. We also encourage you to visit IRCC’s website regularly to ensure you have the latest information. Any new information or clarifications released by IRCC in the coming weeks will be added to this FAQ as they arrive.

FAQs

Who does the study permit cap apply to?

The recently announced study permit cap will be applied to undergraduate students applying for a study permit from outside of Canada. The cap does not apply to Masters degree or PhD degree program students.

International students whose applications were received by IRCC before 8:30 AM (EST) on January 22, 2024, as well as those who have already been approved for a study permit and intend to travel to Canada for an upcoming program, do not need to take further action as a result of the cap.

Do I need to get a provincial attestation letter (PAL) when applying for my study permit?

Yes. Undergraduate students now applying for a study permit from outside Canada must provide a PAL from a province or territory with their application.

For new students, instructions on how to obtain a PAL for studies at Waterloo can be found here.

For current Waterloo students applying for a new study permit from outside of Canada, please fill out the webform to begin the process of requesting your PAL.

What are the new financial requirements for a study permit application submitted outside of Canada?

Starting January 1, 2024, a single new study permit applicant is required to show proof of funds of $20,635 in liquid funds to study in Canada. In addition, the applicant is required to show sufficient liquid funds to cover the first year of tuition fees as well as travel costs.

I am an undergraduate student; am I still eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)?

Yes. All students (undergraduate and graduate level) who complete their program at Waterloo are still eligible to apply for a PGWP as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.

I am a graduate student; am I still eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)?

Yes. All students (undergraduate and graduate level) who complete their program at Waterloo are still eligible to apply for a PGWP as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.

I am a Masters graduate student; would the length of my post-graduation work permit (PGWP) be affected?

Starting on February 15, 2024, 3-year post-graduation work permits will be available to those who are graduating from a Masters degree program that is less than 2 years and who meet all other PGWP eligibility criteria.

Is my spouse/common-law partner eligible for a spousal open work permit?

Effective March 19, 2024, the eligibility criteria has changed for spousal/common-law partner open work permits.

Starting March 19, 2024, the spouse/common-law partner of an international student may be eligible for an open work permit if the international student has a valid study permit and is studying in either:

A Masters or PhD degree program, or
One of the specified professional degree programs listed by IRCC

If your spouse/common-law partner either applied for an open work permit before March 19, 2024, or is applying to extend their existing open work permit under this stream, then you must meet 3 requirements:

You have a valid study permit, and
You’re eligible for a PGWP, and
You’re a full-time student at Waterloo

Exchange students

I’m coming to Waterloo on exchange. Does this change impact me?

Two term exchange is not an option for 2024-2025.

The Government of Canada recently imposed a significant limit on the number of available international study permits for incoming students. As a result, Waterloo has made the difficult decision to only accept exchange nominations for one term exchange students for the 2024-2025 academic year.

For more detailed information about coming to Waterloo on exchange, please refer to the Exchange and Study Abroad webpage.