Information for current international students regarding recent study permit caps

Friday, February 2, 2024

NOTE: This information is for current international students. If you're a prospective international student looking for more information, please visit the newÌýCanadian study permit requirements webpage.

Last updated March 26, 2024Ìý

We know you likely have questions or concerns aboutÌý theÌýissuing a cap on new international student study permits.Ìý

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First, and most importantly, please know that you are a valued member of the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ and our campus community. We are committed to supporting you and providing the relevant resources and information you need. Review ourÌýfrequently asked questions (FAQs)ÌýandÌýsupport resourcesÌýbelow.Ìý
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Current students at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ will not be impacted by these changes. Study permit renewals will not be impacted, and study permit holders will not be affected. We encourage you toÌýÌýto ensure you have the latest information. UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ will email you directly if there is impact from any major announcements. Ìý
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If you have concerns about your immigration status,Ìýcontact the Immigration Consulting team. Ìý

FAQs

Current students

Does this policy change affect my study permit or future study permit renewals?

No. These changes have no impact on current À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ students. The cap does not impact your current study permit, or future study permit extensions.Ìý

Who does the cap apply to?

The cap will be applied to new undergraduate students applying for their initial study permit for the upcoming Fall 2024 term. The cap does not apply to Masters or PhD students. Ìý

International students whose applications were received by IRCC before 8:30 AM ET 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.Ìý

Do I need to get an attestation letter when applying for my study permit extension?

No. Current students do not need an attestation letter when applying to extend your study permit.Ìý

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

Yes. All current students (undergraduate and graduate level) who complete their program at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ are still eligible to apply for a PGWP.Ìý

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 À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ are still eligible to apply for a PGWP as long as they meet all otherÌý.

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 PGWPÌý.Ìý

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

.

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 programsÌý

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’reÌý, and
  • You’re a full-time student at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ

Exchange students

I’m coming to À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ on exchange. Does this change impact me?

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

The Government of Canada recently imposed aÌýÌýfor incoming students.Ìý As a result, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ 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 À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ on exchange, please refer to theÌýExchange and Study Abroad webpage.

Resources and support

The uncertainty political decisions like this cause are stressful. There are resources both on and off campus to support you.

Campus resources

Community resourcesÌý

  • Ìý- 1-844-437-3247 (available for immediate support)ÌýÌý

  • Ìý- 519-749-4300Ìý

  • Ìý- 519-744-3311ÌýÌý

  • Ìý- 1-866-925-5454 (available to all Ontario post-secondary students)Ìý

  • Ìý– 1-833-456-4566 or by text 45645ÌýÌý

  • : to access create an account on the Dialogue mobile app or on the web atÌýÌý