On Jan. 22, 2024, the Government of Canada announced a number of important immigration updates that could impact international post-secondary students across Canada, including at the University of Alberta.
In its announcement, the federal government says the recent changes are designed to protect international students and strengthen Canada as a top study destination. The changes include a two-year cap on the number of initial study permits that will be issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). We do not know the exact number of permits that will be available in Alberta (or at the U of A).
It’s important to note that this cap does not apply to students who are currently in Canada on a study permit or to those who are applying to extend/will need to extend their study permit.
However, there are a number of changes that will affect undergraduate and graduate students.
Here is what we know so far.
For graduate students
- The announced cap will not apply to students in master's and PhD programs.
- Spouses of graduate students will continue to be eligible for open work permits.
- Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will be eligible to apply for a 3-year post-graduate work permit (PGWP) even if the length of their program of study is less than 2 years in duration.
For undergraduate students
- The announced cap will only apply to new undergraduate students but does not apply to students currently enrolled in undergraduate programs needing to extend study permits.
- New undergraduate students applying for a first-time study permit will be required to provide attestation from the province where they study.
- This is not a requirement for those already studying in an undergraduate program and applying to extend their study permit.
- There are no changes to the PGWP for undergraduate students enrolled in University of Alberta programs.
- Spouses of undergraduate students will no longer be eligible for open work permits. We are seeking clarification about the implementation dates for this policy and its impact on those currently holding open work permits.
IRCC also announced changes to the temporary policy that allows students to work more than 20 hours per week, and there are updated financial requirements for Study Permit applications.
I understand that these changes come as a surprise and that the lack of details is concerning for members of the U of A community. Please know that we are working with both the provincial and federal governments to advocate for what is best for our students and the university. International students are an essential part of the U of A community and are important contributors to our global learning environment.
Additional details about the changes will be posted online as they become available.
Thank you,
Verna Yiu
Provost and Vice-president (Academic)