Canada has released clarifications following the announcement of an admissions cap on new overseas study permit applicants. The revised rules governing post-graduate work permits and the acceptance of provincial attestation letters will assist overseas students in making better decisions. The explanations attempt to clarify any confusion about who needs and does not need a provincial attestation letter, who is and is not eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after graduation, and other issues.

In January 2024, the Government of Canada set an intake cap on international student permit applications for two years. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023.

Now, Canada has released clarifications on these admissions caps on new overseas study permit applicants.

Provincial Attestation Letter

As of 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024, most new post-secondary international students at the college or undergraduate level must provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from a province or territory with their study permit application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return any application received that does not include a PAL, unless otherwise exempt.

This attestation will prove that the student has been accounted for under a provincial or territorial allocation within the national cap. Provinces and territories have been asked to have a plan in place for issuing PALs by March 31, 2024. The Government of Canada is working with the Government of Quebec to determine how the certificat d’acceptation du Québec pour études could serve as a PAL.

International students whose applications were received by IRCC before 8:30 a.m. 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.

Who needs a provincial attestation letter?

Most post-secondary study permit applicants
Most non-degree granting graduate programs (for example, certificate programs and graduate diplomas)
Anyone else not included in the exception list below

Who doesn’t need a provincial attestation letter?

Primary and secondary school students
Master’s or doctoral degree students
Visiting or exchange students
In-Canada study permit and work permit holders (includes study permit holders applying for an extension)
In-Canada family members of study permit or work permit holders
Students whose application we received before 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024