The landscape of Canada’s international student program underwent significant changes on January 22nd, with Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introducing a cap on study permit approvals for 2024 and a new provincial attestation letter policy for aspiring international students. In the aftermath of these announcements, questions have surged among prospective students regarding the implementation of these changes and their potential impact. This article aims to address common queries and shed light on the details disclosed by IRCC.

Key FAQs: Understanding the Impact

1. Effective Date of Changes

• The new study permit cap and attestation letter policy took effect on January 22nd, 2024.

• A cap of 360,000 study permit applications will be approved throughout the year.

• Provinces and territories have until March 31st, 2024, to finalize the process for issuing attestation letters.

2. Impact on Incoming Students

• Students who didn’t submit their study permit application before January 22nd, 2024, are affected.

• Having a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) without a study permit application prior to the deadline subjects students to the new policies.

3. Application Waiting Period

• Uncertainty surrounds whether students need to wait until March 31st to apply for study permits.

• The onus is on provinces and territories to establish a process for attestation letters; an earlier framework could expedite application timelines.

4. Exemptions from the Cap

• Certain applications are exempt from the cap and attestation process.

• Exemptions include minor children attending primary or secondary school, students pursuing masters, PhD, or post-graduate programs, and those seeking study permit renewals/extensions.

5. Institute Switching in 2024

• The process for students wishing to change Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in 2024 remains unclear.

• IRCC may provide further guidance on this aspect as the year progresses.

6. Temporary Measure

• The new cap and attestation letter policy is a temporary measure effective for the next two years.

• IRCC plans to reassess the cap on international students for 2025 at the end of this year.

As the Canadian international student program undergoes these temporary adjustments, prospective students are encouraged to stay informed about evolving policies and timelines. The clarity provided by IRCC on these key questions aims to assist students in navigating the application process and making informed decisions about their educational journey in Canada.