Canada Study Permit & Post-Graduation Work Permit Updates
Canada continues to update its policies for international students. Understanding the latest study permit, work and Post-Graduation Work Permit requirements is important for students planning to study in Canada.
New Study Permit Cap
Canada introduced a reduced study permit cap for international students. According to the information provided by YC Overseas, IRCC announced a reduced cap of 437,000 international study permits to be issued for 2025 and 2026.
New Process for Students Applying from Outside Canada
From November 8, 2024, post-secondary study permit applicants applying from outside Canada are required to enrol in a designated learning institution (DLI). Students changing their institution may also need to obtain a new study permit.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
From January 22, 2025, most post-secondary study permit applicants are required to provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) as part of their application.
Programs that were previously exempt from the PAL requirement may also be subject to the requirement under the updated process.
PAL Validity
If a study permit application has not yet been processed, a PAL may be reused if it remains valid. However, students whose application has been refused may need to obtain a new PAL before submitting another application.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Updates
Graduates from eligible Bachelor’s and Master’s programs continue to have access to Post-Graduation Work Permit opportunities irrespective of the field of study, subject to the applicable requirements.
International Student Work Hours
International students are permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off campus while studying, subject to the applicable conditions.
Spouse Open Work Permit Eligibility
Spouses of international students may be eligible to apply for an open work permit where the student is pursuing an eligible program, including qualifying Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs.
PGWP Fields of Study Requirements
Canada has also introduced field-of-study requirements for certain Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants.
The eligible fields are linked to occupations experiencing long-term shortages. The fields are classified using Canada’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system.
The information supplied to YC Overseas identifies 1,107 eligible CIP codes across six broad categories:
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Education
- Healthcare and social services
- STEM
- Trade
- Transport
Planning to Study in Canada?
Canadian study permit and immigration requirements can change. Students should carefully review the requirements applicable to their program and situation before submitting an application.
YC Overseas can help you understand your study options, admission requirements and visa preparation process.