For many international students looking to study abroad, post-graduation work opportunities are a key consideration. Post-graduation work programs offer students a chance to gain experience in their chosen sector, setting them up for success in their career. And, for students looking to stay in the country they study in, post-graduation work can be a key step towards permanent residency.

Over the past two decades, °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s has been a major draw for international students. In fact, over 1 million PGWPs have been approved since the program began.¹ But recent government policy changes are set to limit PGWP eligibility for future international students in Canada.

Here, we’re taking a detailed look at what impact these policy changes might have on the demand for international education in Canada. We’ll look at PGWP trends over the past five years, how new PGWP field of study requirements will affect Canadian colleges and universities, and which province is poised to be the most impacted by revised program requirements.

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) a Key Driver of Student Interest

Over the past five years, student interest in °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s PGWP program has reached new heights. In spite of the slowdowns created by the COVID-19 pandemic, PGWP approvals remained above 120,000 in each year from 2020 to 2022. Then, in 2023, program approvals surged:

In 2023, over 216,000 PGWPs were approved for international graduates, an increase of 67% from 2022. And this high-water mark is expected to rise even further by the end of 2024 to nearly 220,000, based on PGWP approvals through the first six months of the year.

This substantial growth in 2023 and 2024 was caused by a few key factors. The first is the overall rise in international students studying in Canada: There were over 1 million study permit holders in Canada as of December 31, 2023, compared to only 530,000 in 2020. The second is the influence of the post-pandemic “double cohort”, where pent-up demand during the pandemic resulted in higher student enrollments in 2022. Given that students must graduate from their program to apply for PGWP, this post-pandemic growth had a delayed impact on PGWP volumes.

Finally, students are placing increased priority on post-graduation work programs. In our latest RP Pulse Survey, post-graduation work opportunities were the second most important factor for students considering studying abroad. This was also reflected in our last Student Pulse Survey, where being able to attain a work visa after graduation was the number one student priority when deciding where to pursue their education.

Next week, we’ll release our Q3 2024 Student Pulse Survey results. Subscribe to ApplyInsights below to ensure you don’t miss our latest insights!

Changes to °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s PGWP Program

Despite this rising student focus on post-study work, demand for °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s PGWP program is likely to decrease.

On October 4, 2024, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced , set to take effect on November 1, 2024. These changes, aimed at aligning student outcomes with Canadian labour market needs, include introducing new proof of language requirements for all PGWP applicants after November 1 as well as field of study limitations for college and non-degree university graduates.²

However, these changes only apply to future students who submit their study permit application on or after November 1, 2024. This means that we’re likely to see a spike in study permit application volumes before the end of October, as students aim to qualify for the previous PGWP program requirements.

The specific effects these updates will have on longer-term student demand are more difficult to quantify. The recent announcement of 2025 and 2026 international student caps was already poised to weaken demand towards Canadian institutions, above and beyond the declines we’ve already seen in 2024.

Equally, it’s important to note that the first students affected by these PGWP field of study policy changes likely won’t graduate until at least 2026.³ The pipeline from initial study permit application to program graduation is typically at least 18 months for short-duration college and non-degree programs, two of the main study levels impacted by the announced changes.

Impact of PGWP Changes on Canadian Colleges and Universities

With new field of study requirements affecting both college and non-degree university graduates, all Canadian post-secondary institutions should anticipate some direct impacts. But Canadian colleges will likely see the largest changes in student demand, especially since they have taught the majority of approved PGWP applicants over the past five years:

From January 2020 to June 2024,⁴ college graduates accounted for around 60% of all PGWP approvals. There were nearly twice as many PGWPs approved for college graduates as university graduates in 2023, and we expect this trend to continue in 2024.

Starting in 2026, however, this balance will very likely shift towards a more equal proportion of college and university graduates. As graduates from most university programs are exempt from the new PGWP field of study requirements,⁵ a university degree will allow students to pursue work aligned with their career of choice, regardless of their study program. But the length and cost of university studies will likely remain a barrier for some students, and others will remain more interested in the applied learning environment offered at Canadian colleges.

PGWP Field of Study Eligibility Will Influence Program Choices

To better gauge the specific impact of new field of study requirements, let’s look at field of study trends for college and non-degree university students approved for a PGWP.⁶

College Graduates

Business and Management programs have been the most popular choice for study permit applicants headed to Canadian colleges over the last five years. In parallel, college grads from these programs have also accounted for the most PGWP approvals:

In 2023, half of all new study permits approved for college students were for business-related programs. In the same year, Business and Management program graduates held 50% of all PGWPs approved for college grads. In fact, these college business graduates accounted for 30% of all PGWPs approved in 2023, across all study levels and fields of study.

Under PGWP’s new labour alignment requirements, many of these graduates would likely be ineligible for a post-study work visa.⁷ Assuming that at least 75% of business program graduates will soon be ineligible for PGWP, international student populations could decline by 25% or more at Canadian colleges in 2025—beyond the current 2024 declines—based on PGWP field of study trends.

However, this impact may be somewhat mitigated by students who pivot to pursue a different field of study that aligns with the new guidelines. As such, we anticipate that the total volume of international students pursuing a college education in Canada will decline in 2025 and 2026, but likely not by the full magnitude of current business student populations.

Non-Degree University Graduates

By comparison, significantly fewer non-degree university graduates are approved for post-graduation work permits, largely due to fewer students pursuing an education at this study level. In fact, in 2023, fewer than 6,500 PGWPs were approved for these students. That’s less than 5% of the college graduates approved for PGWPs in the same year.

However, like their college counterparts, non-degree university graduates applying for PGWPs are often business program grads:

Through 2023 and the first six months of 2024, nearly two of every three non-degree university grads approved for PGWP completed a Business and Management program. Over 4,000 non-degree business grads received PGWP approval in 2023, compared to just over 2,000 for all other fields of study.

Non-degree studies accounted for only 16% of all new study permit approvals for Canadian universities in 2023. As such, a major drop in non-degree business students could lead to a decline of nearly 10% in new international student cohorts at Canadian universities. Still, compared to colleges, universities are largely insulated from the effects of these PGWP program changes.

Strongest Impact of PGWP Changes Will be Felt by Ontario Colleges

Over the next few years, institutions across Canada must adapt to shifting student demand. But institutions throughout Ontario, particularly Ontario colleges, will be the most impacted by these new PGWP requirements.

This is due to Ontario’s considerable international college student population, compared to the rest of the country:

Last year, the number of Ontario college grads approved for PGWP increased by nearly 120% year-over-year. While PGWP approvals for non-Ontario college grads also rose in 2023, it was at a lower rate of 20%. As a result, Ontario college grads received 75% of all PGWPs approved for college graduates in 2023, and 42% of PGWPs across all study levels in the same year.

As the most popular province for international students pursuing college programs, Ontario is in line to experience the greatest demand volatility in the years to come. Although we expect PGWP approvals for Ontario college grads to decline slightly in 2024, before new PGWP requirements take effect, study permit caps and field of study limitations for future years will likely cause this decline to persist into 2025 and beyond.

New Post-Graduate Work Policies Aim to Improve Student Success

ĐÇżŐÓ°ĘÓhas long recognized that PGWP reforms have the potential to ultimately benefit students, institutions, and regions across Canada. Aligning °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s Post-Graduation Work Permit program eligibility with labour market needs can help to ensure the continued success of international students while encouraging Canadian economic growth. But coupled with recent cap announcements for 2025, °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s brand as a welcoming destination for international students has weakened and institutions will need to take on a greater role promoting the benefits of studying in Canada.

These multiple recent policy changes mean that it will be difficult to fully gauge the effects of field of study requirements on overall student demand in the months and years ahead. We know that business programs, especially at Canadian colleges, are extremely likely to see decreased international student enrollment for all cohorts after November 1, 2024. But what is unclear is whether students will shift their preferences towards PGWP-eligible programs like STEM college programs or university degrees, or if they will consider other study abroad destinations instead.

Health care and STEM will be the highest in-demand sectors for jobs in the next decade, and ĐÇżŐÓ°ĘÓstudents are shifting their interest toward these fields.

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, access to a post-study work visa is a vital consideration for many prospective international students. While current international students—and those who have already submitted a study permit application—will be minimally affected by the latest PGWP changes, these policies will have lasting impacts on °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s international education sector and economy. Declining student demand may also lead Canadian institutions to make difficult decisions such as delaying or cancelling housing projects, cutting programs, and raising tuition fees for domestic students.

In uncertain times, maximizing conversion rates will become more important than ever for Canadian institutions. For strategic advice and data-backed guidance on how your Canadian institution can improve conversion rates while driving student diversity, please contact your Partner Relations Manager. Or, contact ApplyBoard’s Partner Relations team at schoolpartnerships@applyboard.com to start a conversation.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. All data is sourced from unless otherwise noted.

2. Field of study requirements are linked to certain occupations in long-term shortage, based on .

3. Taking into account the time frames between student study permit application submission, IRCC processing and approval, the student coming to Canada and beginning their studies, and the student’s graduation from their selected program.

4. More recent IRCC not available at this time.

5. Bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD graduates are all exempt from IRCC’s new PGWP field of study requirements for students who submit their study permit application after November 1, 2024.

6. Field of study is the most granular level of IRCC data available related to program enrollment.

7. Some transport-related fields of study that often fall under Business program designations—such as transportation management and logistics, materials, and supply chain management—as well as agribusiness programs remain eligible under prescribed CIP classifications.

The post How Will PGWP Program Changes Impact International Education in Canada? appeared first on ApplyBoard.

2024 has been a year of change for Canada’s international education sector. However, there are still many great reasons to choose Canada as a study destination!Ěý

Canada is home to several of the world’s top-ranked institutions. These colleges and universities blend classes taught by dedicated professors with paid co-op terms where you can build practical career skills. Plus, Canada offers some of the most flexible work-while-studying policies, and the ability to bring your family with you. Let’s take a closer look at why you should study in Canada in 2025 and beyond.

ĐÇżŐÓ°ĘÓcan help find the best Canadian study program for you, organize your documents, and prepare you to arrive in Canada, all on one platform.

Canadian Universities and Colleges Are Highly Regarded

In Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2025, —not bad for a country with only 0.5% of the world’s population! Many of the institutions at the top of the charts are part of the of research-intensive universities, which hold over 80% of all Canadian university patents.Ěý

Whether you’re enrolling at a polytechnic where you can build hands-on skills for success in the skilled trades, are upskilling in your field after a study gap, or are applying for a master’s program, Canada’s diverse education sector offers options to suit every student. While different kinds of Canadian institutions offer varied learning experiences, they have a shared goal of providing high-quality education to domestic and international students.

Don’t just take our word for it! In ApplyBoard’s Fall 2024 Recruitment Partner Pulse Survey, we connected with education professionals from 40+ countries. Over 90% of survey participants agreed Canada’s colleges and universities offered high-quality education:

Becoming an international student comes with ups and downs. Recent international student grads share their top tips for getting through culture shock, persisting through tough times, and finding your purpose.

Canadian Institutions Offer Unique, Hands-On Learning

Studying at a college or university in Canada will look different for every student. However, a common thread across many programs is the opportunity to build your career-related skills in a work-integrated learning opportunity. Whether it’s a co-op term, practicum, or internship, these (usually) paid positions let you mix theoretical studies in the classroom with days-in-the-life at local workplaces. It can be a fantastic way to learn where you’d like to be after graduation—or learn which work environments don’t suit your goals or personality.

Canadian universities like the University of Waterloo and the University of Regina are pioneers and innovators in the co-op term system. And while the co-op system started in STEM—‘s engineering co-op program is especially well-regarded—you’ll find co-ops across Canada in fields from arts to health care to environmental studies.Ěý

In a country as diverse as Canada, completely unique learning opportunities are waiting for you. Perhaps you’ll trade lab coats for work boots on the Olds College Smart Farm, where you’ll work with (and build!) autonomous agricultural equipment. Or, at The Launch, Memorial University of Newfoundland‘s lab space for tech testing and ocean research.

Curious about what studying in Canada is like for K-12 students instead? Learn more on our blog.

Balance Study, Work, and Family

Working while studying is part of many students’ realities. We get it: our most recent survey found only 2.5% of surveyed international students didn’t plan to work in some capacity while abroad. The good news is that Canada has flexible work-while-studying policies. Starting this fall, international students may work up to 24 hours per week off-campus in Canada. That allowance ties with Australia for the most generous work-while-studying timing among the Big Four destinations (Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States).Ěý

Plus, international students may work on- or off-campus while following the conditions of their Canadian student visa, and don’t have to wait a minimum amount of time before applying for work.

Canada also continues to welcome students’ families. International students at all levels can apply to bring dependents (partners and unmarried minor children) with them to Canada. And, the partners of students in post-graduate studies and select professional degrees (like a Bachelor’s of Education, Engineering, Law, or Nursing) are eligible for open Canadian work permits. This is more permissive than the UK or US. In the US, dependents’ ability to work is limited (dependent F-2 and M-2 visa holders may not work). In the UK, generally only postgraduate research students may bring dependents.

The path to becoming an international student in Canada is always changing. Check out our Canadian Policy FAQs for how recent policy changes might affect your journey.

Post-Study Opportunities are Unparalleled

Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is one of the most attainable after-graduation work opportunities for international students. Students who graduate from eligible programs that are as short as eight months long may qualify. Additionally, PGWP doesn’t have an age cap, so post-secondary graduates at any stage in life can benefit from gaining Canadian work experience.

One of PGWP’s strengths is its flexibility. Participants . Not every job works out, and the PGWP program lets grads find a company that suits them better, or a role which is a better use of their skills.

Another advantage of PGWP is its duration: graduates from postgraduate programs and select undergraduate programs may be eligible for PGWPs of . This may be the case even if their study program was only two years long (or, with accelerated master’s programs, sometimes even shorter).

Starting in November 2024, PGWP entrance criteria (study program eligibility and language proficiency) are changing. Read our article to learn more.

From cutting-edge programs to excellent post-graduation work opportunities, there are lots of reasons to choose Canada as your study destination. It’s a welcoming country where international students like you can build your skills both in the classroom and in work-integrated learning. We wish you best of luck in your study abroad journey!

Ready to start? Find a Canadian study program that suits your goals on the free ĐÇżŐÓ°ĘÓplatform.

The post Why Choose Canada as an International Student appeared first on ApplyBoard.

On September 18, 2024, the Canadian government announced , including updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit program (PGWP) and news on study permit cap levels for the coming years. Then, on October 4, they shared more detailed will change. Let’s take a look at the proposed updates, and how they will affect current and future international students.

Before we dive in, it’s important to remember that the full details of these changes are still evolving. As we learn more, we’ll update this post.

Note: This document is provided as information only, and is subject to change as policies are updated. This post was last updated on October 4, 2024. For official guidance relating to Canadian student visas and immigration, visit the (IRCC) website, or connect with a .

Changes to the Canadian Study Permit Review Process for 2025

Earlier this year, the Canadian Government introduced a cap on the number of study permits which Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) would process in 2024 for select study programs. The government used student mobility and student outcomes data, as well as consultations with key industry partners like institutions, employers, and provinces, to adapt this process for 2025 and 2026.

Today, the government announced the study permit process for 2025 and 2026 would:

• Have a cap which is reduced from 2024 levels by 10% in 2025, meaning that .
• In 2026, the intake cap will be stabilized so the number of study permits issued in 2026 will be the same as was issued in 2025.
• Be communicated in greater detail to individual provinces and territories in the coming weeks, so that these governments and institutions may plan for next year.
• Include master’s and PhD degree students in the capped levels of study.
• Exempt K-12 (primary and secondary) students from being capped.

Per the government’s news release, around . These incoming students will also have to submit a , which is a change from 2024.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Changes for 2025

The program, or PGWP, is offered for new international student graduates by the Canadian Government. It allows new grads at eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs) to apply to stay and work in Canada for up to three years in their field, enabling them to build their professional network and career experience.

PGWP length varies depending on the level of study. Here’s how it worked:

• If your program was under 8 months long, you were not eligible for a PGWP.
• If your program was at least 8 months long, but shorter than 2 years, your PGWP will be valid for up to the same amount of time as your study program (a new grad from a 10 month program would receive a PGWP of up to 10 months.)
• Non-master’s degree programs which were two years or longer received a PGWP of up to three years.
• Master’s degree graduates received PGWPs of up to three years, even if their program was under two years long.

Moving forward, for students who submitted their study permit application before November 1, 2024, and those who submit their application after that date.

Current Students and Study Permit Applicants

In the announcement, it was emphasized that these changes will address ongoing challenges in the international education sector, while helping to ensure international students who are already in Canada or whose study permit has already been submitted are supported.

International students who are currently enrolled in a study program or who have not yet started classes but who submit their study permit application before November 1, 2024 will be required to meet (CLB) requirements for English or (NCLC) for French proficiency when they apply for PGWP. Language proficiency test results must be less than two years old when the PGWP application is submitted.

As of November 1, 2024, anyone who applies for PGWP will require a CLB or NCLC score of at least level 7 for university graduates, and level 5 for college graduates. This is the only new PGWP requirement for current students and those who have already submitted their study permit application.

Study Permit Applicants After November 1, 2024

Future international students who submit their Canadian study permit application on or after November 1, 2024, will also have to meet new PGWP requirements which relate to their level of study. Let’s take a closer look at the updated eligibility requirements for different program levels.

Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree program:Ěý

• Meet criteria for or at level 7 or higher in all language areas.Ěý
• No additional field of study requirement.

Any other university program (e.g. certificates or diplomas):Ěý

• Meet criteria for or at level 7 or higher in all language areas.Ěý
• Study program must be in a .

College program, or any other program not listed above:

• Meet criteria for or at level 5 or higher in all language areas.Ěý
• Study program must be in a .

When a new grad applies to PGWP, their language proficiency test results must be dated within the last two years.

While there are nearly a thousand different fields of study which are eligible for PGWP, these fields fit into five larger categories: agriculture and agri-food, healthcare, trade, transport, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers.

Important Note: Just because a program is PGWP-eligible, its students are not guaranteed a PGWP spot. It simply means that they may apply to PGWP after graduation.

Changes to Spousal Work Permits

If you’re studying in Canada or working via the PGWP program and your common-law partner or spouse is accompanying you, they may be eligible for an open work permit. Eligibility criteria for these permits will also change later this year.

As a result of this update, . However, partners of students in shorter master’s degree programs will no longer be eligible.

Partners of students in PhD and other doctoral programs were not mentioned in the government update, so it’s likely they’ll retain their work permit eligibility.

For , open work permits will only be issued to the partners of foreign workers in management or professional occupations, or in sectors with recognized labour shortages, like construction or health care.

As these policies evolve, our team will follow the updates and refresh this post to help ensure that it provides current information.

Where can I find more information?

• Official study permit information and guidance:
• Policy analysis, news, and sector trends: ApplyInsights
• Student-friendly strategies for the international study journey: ĐÇżŐÓ°ĘÓblog

The post Canadian Government Announces Changes to PGWP and Study Permit Caps for 2025 appeared first on ApplyBoard.

One of the many advantages of studying in Canada is its . An international student may be able to apply for this program if they’ve completed an eligible study program at one of Canada’s designated learning institutions (DLI). Want to learn more? We’ll dive into what a PGWP is, who can apply, and PGWP length below.

Note: This blog is provided as information only, and is subject to change as policies are updated. For official guidance relating to Canadian student visas and immigration, visit the , or connect with a .

Ready to start your international student journey? ApplyBoard’s experienced team is here to help!

What is a PGWP?

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that international students can apply for after graduating. An “open” work permit means that students aren’t tied to a specific job or employer. Plus, for students interested in staying in Canada, work experience enabled by a PGWP can count towards qualifying for permanent residence.

To apply, students need to have graduated from an eligible study program at a designated learning institution (DLI). that you completed your program by providing your degree, diploma, transcript, or an official letter from your academic institution. Some PGWP applicants may also need to supply other supporting documents, or take a medical exam.

Note: Not all DLIs, or programs at DLIs, are PGWP-eligible. To see if your program is, check the .

Graduates holding a PGWP may:

• Be self-employed
• Work full-time anywhere in Canada
• Work part-time anywhere in Canada

Who Can Apply for a PGWP?

PGWP applicants must have .

Starting on September 1, 2024, students who enrol at public-private partnership institutions are no longer eligible to apply for PGWPs. However, students who are already enrolled in a study program at a public-private partnership before September 1, 2024, may still be eligible for a PGWP.

What’s That Term?

Public-private partnerships are an agreement between a public college and an affiliate private college. Public colleges licence their curriculum to the private college, so while students attend classes at a private college, they graduate with a diploma or certificate from a public institution.

You may apply for a PGWP from inside Canada or from another country. You must apply within 180 days after graduating from your Canadian study program. In most cases, you must apply online for a PGWP.Ěý

You must either have a valid study permit, a visitor record to bridge the gap between your studies and the start of your PGWP, or have renewed your student status to apply. We’ll look closer at each of those options in the question below.

Studying in Quebec? for some institutions.

What If My Study Permit Expires Before I Get My Marks, Degree, or Diploma?Ěý

Before your study permit expires, you can:

• Apply for a visitor record (which is a document that lets you stay in Canada as ““) and apply for a PGWP, ´Ç°ůĚý
• Leave Canada and apply for a PGWP from overseas.Ěý

Once your study permit expires, you have up to 90 days after that to apply for a PGWP—but you’ll also have to , which costs an additional C$379 as of March 2024. If you don’t apply to renew your student status within 90 days of its expiry, you must leave Canada.

How Long Does a PGWP Last?

A PGWP may be issued for as short as eight months or as long as three years. It is not renewable.

The length of the applicant’s program of study in Canada will be considered—using supporting documents for confirmation—to determine how long their PGWP will last. Regularly scheduled breaks in the study program, such as winter and summer holidays, will also be factored into the PGWP’s duration.

Extending a PGWPĚý

To streamline the application process, make sure your passport is valid until after your PGWP ends. If your passport expires earlier, the government can only issue you a PGWP that is valid until your passport expires. While it’s , students can typically only apply for an extension when they’re told to do so by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and must apply on paper.

How Long is a PGWP?

Except for master’s degree graduates, permit length depends on the length of the study program. Program length must be confirmed in writing, like an official letter or transcript, from the eligible DLI.

Remember, a PGWP cannot extend past your passport’s expiry date. So, ensure that your passport is valid for the full possible PGWP duration before applying.

How Long is the Study Program?

Eight Months to Two Years

PGWP Duration: Up to or matching the study program’s length

• For example, if the program was 10 months, you can get a PGWP of up to 10 months.
• : Starting on Feb. 15, 2024, “students who graduate from master’s degree programs of less than 2 years (8 months minimum) may be eligible for a 3 year PGWP.” The study program must meet all other PGWP requirements.
• : If you complete an eligible program on an accelerated schedule (like finishing a 12-month program in 10 months), you’ll be eligible for a PGWP the length of the original program. In this case, your PGWP could be up to 12 months long.

Two Years or More

PGWP Duration: Up to three years

More than One Program within Two Years

PGWP Duration: Combine the length of each program

• Each program of study must adhere to all PGWP program eligibility requirements, and be at least eight months in length.
• If the combined length of the programs is two years or longer, the work permit may be valid for up to three years.
• Remember, you can only ever receive one PGWP. So, if you graduate from a postgraduate certificate program that’s one year long, apply for and receive a one-year PGWP, work for that year, then enrol in a one-year master’s degree program, you are not eligible to apply for a PGWP after finishing your master’s.

What if I Studied in a Quebec Vocational Program?

Please for more details.

Wondering what working might look like during your studies? Check out our blog on working hours in Canada for international students.

Program Types and PGWP Eligibility

Online Learning

Any time spent studying online for a program at a DLI that’s PGWP-eligible between March 2020 and August 31, 2022 can count towards a PGWP. .

Distance and online study rules changed on September 1, 2022.Ěý

For students who either (whichever happens first):

• 50% or more of their program must be completed in Canada, either in person or online
• Time spent studying online from outside of Canada before August 31, 2024, counts towards PGWP length, as long as it makes up less than 50% of the study program duration.

For students who start their study program OR whose study permit receipt is dated after September 1, 2024 (whichever happens first):

• Time spent studying outside of Canada after December 31, 2023 does not count towards your PGWP.Ěý
• Only time spent studying after applying for a study permit counts towards a PGWP.

DLI Strikes

If a strike impacts a student’s studies, they’ll. Although missing classes due to a strike won’t affect a student’s PGWP eligibility, it’s important for them to meet all other PGWP requirements.

Overseas ComponentĚý

A student is , as long as they earn an eligible Canadian educational credential from an eligible DLI. However, the length of the PGWP is based on the duration of their studies in Canada. Officers may contact the DLI to confirm that the studies have taken place in Canada.

Can I Bring my Spouse or Common-Law Partner?Ěý

Spouses and common-law partners may accompany international students, and may be eligible for their own study permit or a visitor visa. However, in most cases, they won’t be able to work full-time in Canada. Partners and spouses of students in graduate (master’s and doctorate) and professional degree-granting programs are eligible for an open work permit.Ěý

Unfortunately, as of 2024, spouses and common-law partners of students in other levels of studies are .Ěý

As an international student, your future is open to many opportunities, and a PGWP can be a great way to get Canadian work experience. We hope that this information has cleared up some of your questions about the program, but if you’d like to learn more, check our blog archive for related posts.

Have more questions about the PGWP, or something else related to studying abroad? Contact us—ApplyBoard’s experienced team is here to help!

The post How to Get °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s Post-Graduation Work Permit appeared first on ApplyBoard.

From study permit caps to post-graduation work permit eligibility, there have been many recent changes to °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s International Student Program. While some changes are still happening, we’re here to help share the info you need to move forward in your study journey. Read on for the answers to some of your most pressing questions about these policy updates below.

Note: This blog is provided as information only, and is subject to change as policies are updated. For official guidance relating to Canadian student visas and immigration, visit the , or connect with a .Ěý

ApplyBoard’s free-to-use platform can help you find a study program that fits your needs in five popular destination countries, including Canada, the United States, and Australia. Try it today!

Study Permit Cap and Policy Questions

How is the international student process changing in Canada?

In January 2024, the Canadian government on Canadian study permits. This study permit cap means the number of approved study permits (also often called Canadian student visas) in 2024 will be limited to around 360,000.Ěý

However, some students (K–12, master’s degree, doctoral degree) are exempt from this cap. So, the cap will impact students at the undergraduate university and college level most significantly.

Further changes were announced in January, including:

• Study permits will be allocated based on each province or territory’s population.Ěý
• As of January 22, 2024, students who are not exempt from the cap must (PAL) as part of their study permit application.
• Update: As of May 15, 2024, students who enrol at public-private partnership institutions (PPPs) (PGWPs) after graduating.Ěý
• Update: As of March 19, 2024, to spouses or common-law partners of international students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs, as well as students in certain professional programs, such as medicine, law, and engineering.

Curious about these changes? We explore each of them in more detail on our blog.

What is a PPP?

A PPP, or public-private partnership, is an agreement between a public college and an affiliated private college. In some provinces, public colleges are allowed to license their curriculum, which is then delivered by instructors at a private college (which may be located in an entirely different city or location). So, while students physically attend classes at a private college, they graduate with a diploma from a public institution.Ěý

Due to the incoming post-graduation work permit changes, which will , these types of institutions will be less appealing for some students, moving forward.Ěý

Note: Although this PGWP eligibility change was originally announced as coming into effect on September 1, 2024, IRCC

Is the study permit cap permanent?

No, the study permit cap isn’t permanent. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the department of the Canadian government which handles study permits, will re-assess the study permit cap at the end of 2024 and define the number of new study permit applications to be accepted in 2025.

Which provinces will be most affected by the cap?

Each Canadian province or territory will be affected differently by the cap. Ontario and British Columbia are likely to be among the provinces most impacted, which means spots at study programs in those provinces will be more competitive in 2024.Ěý

Other provinces, like Quebec, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador, should still have a lot of space for students, and may become more appealing options.

If you love data and want to learn more, read our application cap projections on ApplyInsights.Ěý

Timeline Questions

I’m a current Canadian study permit holder, or I’m planning to renew my study permit. Do these new guidelines apply to me?

IRCC that the current caps will not impact current study permit holders or study permit renewals (extensions).

Visiting or exchange students in Canada who are staying for at least six months are not exempt from the cap.Ěý

How do these changes affect Canadian study permit applications submitted before the announcement was made?

Any study permit applications submitted before 8:30 AM ET on January 22, 2024, don’t have to include a provincial letter of attestation (PAL). These applicants are also not included in the study permit caps. IRCC will return any applications received after that time that do not include a PAL, unless the student is exempt.

If I completed my biometrics requirements before the announcement, will I be affected?

As long as your study permit application was submitted before January 22, 2024, your application will proceed. Because biometrics appointments happen , you should not be affected by these updates.

I have an offer letter for May or September 2024, but no study permit yet. How should I proceed?Ěý

Consider paying your tuition deposit as soon as possible. The sooner that you pay any relevant tuition deposits, the sooner you’ll be in line for an attestation letter, which you’ll need in order to apply for a study permit. Students who apply for their study permit faster are less likely to be affected by the student cap.Ěý

Provincial Attestation Letter Questions

Can I get a provincial attestation letter (PAL) now?

Yes! All 10 provincesĚý. As soon as you have a PAL, you can begin applying for your Canadian study permit.Ěý

In Quebec, the Certificat d’Acceptation du QuĂ©bec/QuĂ©bec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) may function as a PAL, as long as it includes the following sentence:

“This attestation letter confirms that the applicant has a place in Quebec’s share of the distribution of study permit applications or is exempt from it.”Ěý

In most other cases, provinces are issuing PALs directly to universities and colleges; the institutions will then pass PALs on to students at their discretion.ĚýĚý

For the most current updates, check the .Ěý

Can I apply for a study permit without a PAL?

Study permit applications submitted before 8:30 AM ET on January 22, 2024, do not require a PAL. Certain students are also exempt from needing one, including K-12, master’s, and doctoral students.Ěý

However, unless you’re enrolled in a program that isn’t affected by this requirement, any study permit applications submitted after January 22, 2024, which don’t have a provincial attestation letter will be refunded and returned to you. You will then have to resubmit your application with the attestation letter once it’s available from the relevant provincial/territorial government.

I’ve applied for the May 2024 intake, and I’m currently applying for a student visa. Do I need a PAL?

It depends on your level of study. If you’re enrolling in an undergraduate program, or a postgraduate certificate or diploma program, you’ll need a provincial attestation letter (PAL). K–12, master’s degree, and doctoral degree students do not need a PAL.Ěý

Study permit applications submitted before 8:30 AM ET on January 22, 2024, don’t require a PAL. Study permit applications submitted after that time without a provincial attestation letter will be refunded and returned (unless you’re in one of the exempted groups listed above). Then, you’d have to resubmit your application with the attestation letter once it is available.

PAL processes may vary by province or territory, so check the official .

Study Program Questions

What counts as a professional program in Canada?

According to , professional degree programs are undergraduate degree programs that lead to entry-to-practice professions.

Professional programs include:

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
• Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Optometry (OD)
• Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

As well as some bachelor programs leading to careers where there is demand right now:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
• Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)

Spouses and common-law partners of students in these professional degree–granting programs will remain eligible for a new open work permit. However, if you’re not studying in one of the above programs, as of March 19, 2024.

What are the differences between a master’s degree, a postgraduate certificate, and a postgraduate diploma?

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree can be course-based or research-based. A popular example of a course-based program is a Master’s of Business Administration, or MBA. It’s usually one to two years long, though some master’s programs can be longer. Typically, you need to have finished a bachelor’s degree to enrol in a master’s degree program.Ěý

Master’s degrees can be a more expensive option compared to diplomas and certificates, but currently, master’s graduates benefit from . Also, master’s program students are exempt from the study permit cap discussed above, and their partners or spouses are eligible for an open work permit.

Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates

In Canada, postgraduate (or graduate) diplomas and certificates are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. Diplomas can also take one to two years to complete, but some diploma programs are shorter. Students don’t always need a bachelor’s degree to enrol in a postgraduate diploma program. Sometimes, a regular or advanced undergraduate diploma is enough. Diplomas often offer both classroom time and hands-on learning through an internship or placement.

A postgraduate certificate often takes less time than the other two options. These programs can range from under a year in length to two years. Certificates are usually more focused in scope, helping students refine one skill or a clearly defined set of skills. Like diplomas, the program focuses on building students’ practical abilities through field placements or industry partnerships. Certificates are popular with working professionals looking to boost their skill set, or transition to a different role within their field. Some students use graduate certificates as a stepping-stone to a graduate degree, like a master’s.

Postgraduate diplomas and certificates are included in the temporary study permit cap, so international entry to these programs may become more competitive. Additionally, if you’re enrolled in a postgraduate diploma or certificate, your spouse or common-law partner is no longer eligible for a Canadian open work permit.

Are short postgraduate-level programs exempt from the study permit cap?

Short postgraduate programs, like postgraduate diplomas or certificates, are included within the study permit cap.

Bringing Family to Canada

I’m going to take a postgraduate-level program. Can my spouse or common-law partner come with me?

Yes. Your partner may come with you, and work in Canada while you’re studying. However, , only spouses and common-law partners of students in master’s programs, doctorate programs, and certain professional degree–granting programs will be eligible for a new open work permit.Ěý

Partners of students at other levels of study will no longer be eligible, unless they already hold an open work permit under this stream. Those seeking to extend their current work permit will still be eligible to do so.Ěý

I’m currently studying in Canada as an undergraduate student. Do these changes mean I can’t bring my spouse or common-law partner?

While your spouse or partner won’t be eligible for a Canadian open work permit anymore, . However, in most cases, the changes mean they won’t be able to work full-time in Canada.

What happens if my common-law partner or spouse has already applied for a spousal open work permit?

If your partner applied before March 19, 2024, they should still be eligible to receive their open work permit.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Questions

What is Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program?Ěý

The PGWP program is offered to graduates from eligible postsecondary institutions in Canada. It’s a specific work permit that can help gain Canadian work experience. Plus, if you’re interested in staying in Canada, time working under the PGWP can count towards your qualification for permanent residence.

PGWP holders may remain in Canada and work full time, anywhere in Canada, in any occupation. Some jobs require a medical test, like if you’re working in a hospital or around children. You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of graduation. So, if you’re considering this option, be sure to prepare in advance.

Who can apply for a PGWP?

If you graduated from an eligible full-time program lasting at least eight months from a in Canada, you may apply for a PGWP.

How long does a PGWP last?

PGWP lengths may be anywhere from eight months to three years long.

Something new this year (as of February 15, 2024) is that graduates from master’s programs of less than two years (but taking at least eight months to complete) may be eligible for a three-year PGWP. Now, all master’s students taking a program at least eight months long should effectively qualify for a three-year work permit.

For other program types, PGWP durations are . So, programs lasting eight months to two years make students eligible for a PGWP of equal length. For example, if you took a 10-month certificate, your PGWP can be up to 10 months long.

Lastly, students whose programs are longer than two years are eligible for a full three-year PGWP. So, even if your program was only two and a half years long, you’ll still be eligible for a three-year work permit.

How do these policy changes impact PGWP eligibility?Ěý

As of May 15, 2024, the to new students of public/private institution partnership models that are part of a curriculum licensing arrangement (also known as public-private partnerships, or PPPs). However, students who are already enrolled in a study program at a PPP before May 15, 2024, may still be eligible for a PGWP after graduation.Ěý

Also, as of February 15, 2024, eligible students graduating from master’s degree programs that are less than two years long may qualify for a longer, three-year post-graduation work permit (PGWP). The length of PGWPs for other programs will remain tied to the study program length, up to a maximum of three years.

We hope this information helps you make an informed decision as you prepare for your own study journey.Ěý

Ready to start your study abroad search? Let ĐÇżŐÓ°ĘÓhelp you find programs at universities in Canada which match your dreams and skills. Ěý

Find the best options, organize your application, and get ready to land, all on the ĐÇżŐÓ°ĘÓplatform.

The post International Student FAQs: Canada’s 2024 Policy Updates appeared first on ApplyBoard.

On December 7, 2023, Minister Marc Miller of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) affecting international students coming to (or already studying in) Canada. These policies will help protect international students against an increased cost of living and recent housing challenges.Ěý

As of January 1, 2024, the minimum financial requirement that students must show as part of their study permit application will rise from C$10,000 (where it has sat for nearly two decades) to C$20,635 to reflect the rising cost of living.

In addition, the current waiver on working hour limits for international students, which was set to expire as of December 31, has now been extended to April 30, 2024. This enables students to continue working off campus for more than 20 hours per week during the winter semester. Minister Miller also provided updates on some temporary measures related to post-graduation work permits, which are detailed below.Ěý

Keep reading for more details and insight into how these updates may affect you as an international student, advisor, or recruitment partner.Ěý

Did you know: .

Higher Cost-of-Living Financial Minimum for Students

Perhaps the biggest news in this package of announcements involves °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s revised expectations for proof of financial support as required on a student’s study permit application.Ěý

When international students apply for their Canadian study permit (often referred to as a student visa), they’re required to show their access to a set amount of savings, thus proving they’re financially prepared to live and study in Canada. For the past several years, this amount was set at C$10,000 (plus travel costs and the cost of tuition for one year) for a single applicant. However, rising costs of living have made this an unrealistically low number for students to plan around.Ěý

From now on, IRCC will raise this financial requirement on an annual basis, based on the latest low-income cut-off as reported by Statistics Canada. In 2024, a single applicant will be required to show they have access to C$20,635, as well as enough funds to cover their travel expenses and the cost of their first full year of tuition.Ěý

This new minimum amount will come into effect for all new study permit applications as of January 1, 2024. This change also applied to those applying through °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s before November 8, 2024, whichĚýrequires students to show their proof of financial support through a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC). GIC amounts will now need to be at least C$20,635 instead of the previous C$10,000 minimum.Ěý

GICs are an excellent way for any international student applying for their Canadian study permit to prove their financial preparedness. Learn more about GICs on the ĐÇżŐÓ°ĘÓblog.Ěý

Working Hours Limit Waiver Extended to April

Although Minister Miller’s announcement was primarily focused on the higher financial requirement, he also provided some timely updates on a few other temporary student-facing measures.Ěý

Back in the fall of 2022, IRCC announced that as of November 15, 2022, and continuing throughout 2023, international students with off-campus work authorization on their study permit would be able to work off-campus for more than the standard 20 hours per week during their studies.Ěý

This temporary waiver was expected to expire on December 31, 2023, but is now being extended until April 30, 2024. This extension applies to international students already in Canada, as well as incoming applicants who have submitted their study permit application as of December 7, 2023.

This work-hours waiver has benefitted international students in many ways. They now have greater flexibility to choose their working hours, can graduate with more work experience, and can earn more income to support their studies.Ěý

Although the extension only lasts until the end of April, notably, Minister Miller did not close the door on permanently raising the working hours limit to 30 hours per week. As states:Ěý

“We continue to examine options for this policy in the future, such as expanding off-campus work hours for international students to 30 hours per week while class is in session.”

Learn more about working hours for international students in Canada on our blog.

A Few Post-Graduation Work Permit UpdatesĚý

Over the past few years, due to the significant changes and restrictions in mobility caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government made temporary changes to its popular .Ěý

One of these measures allowed international students to study remotely online instead of in Canada, while still counting that study time toward a future PGWP (up to a maximum of 50% of the program of study). Today, IRCC announced this measure remains in effect for any students who begin a Canadian study program before September 1, 2024—the final cut-off date for students to benefit from this unique rule.ĚýĚý

Also due to the pandemic, Canada previously announced extensions for qualifying PGWP holders who were unable to take full advantage of their PGWP after graduating. An additional work permit enabled these PGWP holders to gain work experience in Canada. Today, Minister Miller confirmed that those with PGWPs expiring before the end of 2023 are still eligible for the extension, but that this policy will not be extended any further.Ěý

As recently announced, IRCC is set to assess and make further adjustments to the PGWP Program in 2024 to address °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s labour shortage.

These updates from °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s IRCC help to ensure that international students are set up for success when studying, working, and living in Canada. ĐÇżŐÓ°ĘÓis glad to see the Canadian government taking steps to address many of the recently highlighted issues faced by international students.Ěý

In 2024, we hope to see even more measures taken to properly support and facilitate the well-being of international students in Canada.

As always, for the most up-to-date information, please .

Stay tuned to the ĐÇżŐÓ°ĘÓblog for more important news and insights from the world of international education.

The post Canada Updates Financial Proof Requirement and Extends Work Rights for International Students appeared first on ApplyBoard.

Are you planning on studying and working in Canada as an international student? You may be asking “how many hours can a student work in Canada?” If so, it’s vital to plan ahead and understand working hours for students in Canada–more specifically, exactly when and how long you can work each week. Keep reading as we explore all you need to know about working hours in Canada for international students.ĚýĚý

Working Hours in Canada for International Students

Typically, international students with a study permit in Canada are restricted to working 20 hours per week while taking classes. However, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has temporarily lifted those restrictions, so there’s no limit on the hours students can work until at least the end of 2023.Ěý

The higher education sector has celebrated this news. It’s also welcomed by current international students, who now have much more flexible work hours and a new range of options. This adjustment is being referred to as a pilot project, and many hope that Canada’s government makes this change permanent.Ěý

Working Hours Eligibility

Want to know if you can work increased hours as an international student in Canada? You’re considered eligible if you:Ěý

• Have begun your studies at a (designated learning institution)
• Are a full-time student (or a former full-time student in your final semester of part-time study)
• Are enrolled in a post-secondary program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificateĚý
• Have off-campus work authorization on your study permit
• Have a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)Ěý

Read our blog for more information on °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s temporary lifting of international students’ work-hour restrictions.Ěý

Finding a Job

Let’s face it: studying as an international student can get expensive. Finding a job can help cover your tuition and living expenses, especially when you can choose the number of hours you need to work! Some great part-time jobs that you can find on-campus include:

• Teacher’s assistant (TA)
• Academic advisor
• Student tutor
• Library assistantĚý
• On-campus baristaĚý
• Lab assistant

Want more options? Other popular off-campus part-time jobs include:

• Server or bartender
• Uber or Lyft driver
• Nanny
• Retail salesperson
• Dog walkerĚý
• Freelancer

Learn more about these part-time positions and their pay rates.

Don’t Overwork Yourself!

While you might want to take on as many hours as you can, it’s best to maintain a balance. Having extra cash on hand as an international student can be great, but not at the expense of your studies.Ěý

At the end of the day, your study permit is valid under academic circumstances, so it’s important to prioritize your schooling. Think of it this way—your education is an investment. You will likely work after finishing your studies, so focusing on your program now can help ensure you’ll be able to focus on your career later!

Tip: While you can work an unlimited amount of hours, we don’t recommend you work more than you study! Every student and every part-time job is different, so it’s best to start slow to see how many hours work best for you and your lifestyle.Ěý

Maintaining a work-life balance while studying abroad is important. Here are some ways to practice mindfulness as a student.

Know Your Options

Want to take advantage of Canada’s expanded working hours for students? Take some time to know your options, both at your academic institution and workplace.Ěý

For instance, at your workplace, find out if you can:

• Take reduced hours
• Take leaves of absence
• Work from home/onlineĚý

At your academic institution, find out if you’re able to:

• Register for night or weekend courses
• Attend online classesĚý
• Attend study halls

Understanding your options can help you make the best of your academic journey while working part-time.Ěý

Tip: Juggling school and work can be difficult. It can be helpful to tell your employer that you’re a student, and to set expectations at your workplace.Ěý

Plan Ahead

Before you start working alongside your studies, it’s important to plan ahead. Maintain a work-life balance by following these tips:Ěý

• Dedicate a set amount of time to your studies and to your part-time job. While planning, think about your lifestyle, personality, and workload for both your studies and job.Ěý
• Keep a daily planner or calendar. Make note of important academic dates and job obligations to plan out your days in advance.
• Use your time effectively. When balancing your studies and a part-time job, prioritize what you need to do by being mindful of your time and how you choose to spend it.ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý
• Prioritize your health. It’s important to recognize signs of burnout and to remember to take care of your physical and mental health. Your health always comes first!

Looking for some time management strategies? You’re in luck! See our blog for some of our favourite time management hacks!Ěý

Now that you’ve learned more about studying and working hours in Canada for international students, you can use this information to make an informed choice about your work options when studying abroad.Ěý

–â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“â¶Ä“

Have more questions about working and studying in Canada? Ěý

The post Working Hours in Canada for International Students appeared first on ApplyBoard.

In a past blog post, we explored what some of our Canadian partner schools are doing to support international students and help them thrive this fall and beyond. This week, we want to help you better understand your offer letter. We’ve also included four additional steps you’ll need to take after you receive it as you get ready to start your studies in Canada!Ěý

1. Understand Your Offer Letter

Congratulations on receiving your offer letter from a Canadian academic institution! You’ve hit the books and studied hard and should be proud of yourself.

Students applying to study in Canadian can receive two types of offers: An offer letter, sometimes called a pre-offer letter, or a letter of acceptance (LoA). One is conditional, and the other is unconditional. Let’s take a look at each one:

Offer or Pre-Offer Letter

Academic institutions can issue you an offer or pre-offer letter, meaning that a space is being saved for you in the program you applied to. However, to finalize your spot, you must meet conditions defined by the institution, like a required minimum grade average or submitting final transcripts. Then, if you’re still eligible after submitting the outstanding conditions or required documents,Ěýa letter of acceptance will be issued.

Important Note: You can’t use an offer or pre-offer letter to apply for a study permit.

Letter of Acceptance (LoA)

A letter of acceptance (LoA) is an official document from a college or university indicating you’ve been accepted to a program. A student who receives a letter of acceptance is not subject to any additional requirements in order to be accepted. (If you get one of these, you’re in.)

This document is recognized by the Canadian government and can be used to apply for a study permit.

2. Accept Your Offer

Next, you’ll want to accept your offer by completing your admission by the deadline set out by the college or university. How you accept your offer can vary depending on the school. Usually, you’ll accept through the institution’s online portal or simply by paying your tuition deposit.

Once you’ve accepted your offer, you’re one step closer to fulfilling your dream of studying abroad in Canada!

3. Apply for a Study Permit

Once you receive a letter of acceptance and have accepted your offer, you can apply for your study permit. A study permit allows international students to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

To apply for a study permit, you’ll need to have the following documents handy:

• A letter of acceptance
• A valid passport
• Proof you can financially support yourself, as well as any family members who intend to accompany you

You can apply for your study permit either online or by paper. The Canadian government recommends students apply for their study permits online, as online applications are:Ěý

• Received instantly and potentially processed more quicklyĚý
• Checked for completion prior to submissionĚý

Online applicants will also benefit from online status updates on their study permit applications. You can also quickly submit any additional supporting documentation if needed.

Student Direct Stream (For Reference Only – Program Closed in November 2024)

Until November 8, 2024, students like you may have been eligible for faster study permit processing through °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s Student Direct Stream (SDS).ĚýThis program ran between 2018 and 2024, and allowed eligible international students from certain countries to speed up the processing of their Canadian study permit. Applicants provided more information up front, allowing officers to make a thorough assessment and final decision quickly.

Students from the following countries were eligible for SDS:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Brazil
• China
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• India
• Morocco
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Philippines
• Senegal
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vietnam

Learn how Canadian schools are supporting international students this fall and beyond!

4. Enrol in Classes

Now the fun part—enrolling in classes!

Each college or university has its own enrolment schedule. This means you should review the calendar of important dates to know when you can start selecting your classes. You’ll also want to know which classes you’ll need to take, and when, to ensure that you graduate on time.

Starting Online

If it applies to you, check to see if you can start your study program online. You can do this even if you have not received a final decision on your study permit application. International students that are unable to study in person in Canada are still eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) until August 2023.Ěý

As long as you apply for a study permit before starting your program, the length of time you spend studying online will count towards a PGWP. This still applies even if your study permit application is rejected and you have to submit another one. However, you must be approved for a study permit (even if it takes a few tries) before becoming eligible for a PGWP.

5. Travel to Canada

If you meet the travel requirements and have your approved study permit, you may be ready to begin your travels. Be sure to check the for more information.

Congratulations on receiving your offer letter. Follow the next steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be starting your studies before you know it. Happy travels—and happy studying!

Have more study abroad questions? Reach out to us today—ApplyBoard’s experienced team is here to help!

The post Take the Next Step: <br> Understanding Your Offer Letter appeared first on ApplyBoard.

Post-graduation work opportunities are one of the leading drivers of international student mobility. For students who want to stay in the country they study in, having confidence they can secure work in their desired field is vital.

°ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s continues to offer international students one of the most streamlined pathways to landing a job in their sector.

Today, we’re diving into freshly released IRCC data surrounding PGWP trends in 2022. We’ll dig into the numbers, look at the growth of the PGWP, and discuss the fastest-growing countries producing graduates who are seeking PGWP opportunities.

PGWP Enrollment Falls Slightly in 2022

The PGWP started as a very small, little-known program in 2005, when just 5,200 students were approved.¹ But, as Canada has raised immigration targets and gained recognition as a top international education destination, this program has taken off:

The number of students approved for the PGWP in 2022 was 127% higher than in 2017. Steady growth has been the calling card of this popular program, which has boasted a 97% acceptance rate over the last five years.

However, 2022 marked the first time in 10 years that fewer students were approved for the PGWP than the year before. 130,897 new students were approved for the program in 2022, falling short of the record-breaking year of 2021 by just over 2,000 permits.

At first glance, this slight dip in year-over-year growth is odd, but it’s not significant enough to warrant any concern for a long-term drop-off. It’s likely that this dip in PGWP approvals is a product of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2022 marks the first year that students who enrolled in two-year programs at institutions in 2020/2021 would be eligible for the PGWP. Deferrals alone could account for the drop-off we’re seeing here.

While we’ve only got two months of data for 2023, it’s overwhelmingly positive. Over 35,000 students were approved for the PGWP through February of this year. That’s over one-quarter of the total approvals granted in 2022.

We may continue to see the ripple effect of the pandemic on PGWP numbers for the next one to two years, but the volume of international students who are graduating during that time should mean that numbers will be trending back up in 2023.

Vietnam and Nigeria Pursuing PGWP At A Higher Rate

Students come to Canada with differing sets of intentions. Just because Canada is high on the wish list of students from certain countries, that does not mean they plan to stay, work, or immigrate following their studies.

We wanted to understand not only which students are staying in Canada to work after graduation, but also if that’s a common intention shared with their fellow citizens. To get an idea of what these trends look like, we compared the top countries by PGWP approvals in 2022 to student visa approvals in 2019, the year when a plurality of those students would have started their studies.

This is not a perfect science, as programs at Canadian institutions range from two to four years in length. But these comparisons provide us with strong indicators for what students from certain countries plan to do in Canada following graduation.

This list ranks the top 15 countries by PGWP approvals in 2022, while also indicating each country’s rank on the 2019 study permit approvals list. Countries in red ranked 3 spots or more higher in the 2019 study permit approval rankings than in the 2022 PGWP rankings. These are countries with larger numbers of students who are coming to Canada with the intention to return home following graduation.

Students from Brazil, Mexico, and the US appear to have less interest in pursuing post-graduation work in Canada than students from other countries. While we’re still seeing at least 1,000 students from each of these countries pursue post-graduation work in 2022, it’s likely that a large percentage of them are leaving Canada.

Countries in green indicate groups of students who are especially interested in remaining in Canada to work in their desired field after graduation. Students hailing from Vietnam and Nigeria are pursuing post-graduation work at a higher rate than any other nationality of student in Canada.

India and China will always be relevant countries in the PGWP conversation, but these other markets are primed to shape the future of the international education landscape in Canada. As students from certain countries begin to lay down roots in Canada, the likelihood that more of their fellow citizens follow in future years increases significantly.

Fastest-Growing PGWP Countries in 2022

As students become more focused on their post-graduation work goals than ever before, it’s important to pay attention to countries that are making the PGWP a priority. Students from these nations are likely to make a big impact on °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s economy over the next several years.

The following table ranks the fastest-growing countries by PGWP approvals from 2021 to 2022:

The runaway leader in this group is Sri Lanka, posting a 70% increase in PGWP approvals between 2021 and 2022. That’s nearly 30 percentage points higher than second-place Turkey and over 60 percentage points clear of the average year-over-year growth of 8%.²

Sri Lanka is also the fastest-growing country by PGWP approvals since 2019, posting a 3-year growth rate of 160%.

Sri Lanka is a small but high-potential country that has emerged as one of the fastest-growing source markets in Canada. Nearly 4,000 Sri Lankan students came to study in Canada in 2022, a 450% increase from 2020.

With the exception of Turkey and Egypt, the rest of the countries on this list were top 15 source markets for international education in Canada in 2022. Moving forward, students who display a willingness to study in Canada and work there following graduation will be the ones who build lasting communities across the country.

Why Students Should Choose Programs Based on Labour Shortages

Students from all over the world have made it clear that post-graduation work is a top priority. With an approval rate of over 97% last year, the PGWP provides students with a plan to address that priority.

But in order for that plan to continue to work for future generations of international students, students must pay attention to the evolving job market. Canada recently to address labour shortages in certain sectors. Incoming students should be mindful of where those shortages lie as they map out their post-graduation journey.

Asking the question, “Is it likely that I’ll be able to secure employment in my trained field?” is a simple but necessary one to ensure ease of transition into the workforce following graduation.

Recruitment partners and schools would do well to help students map out their future by looking at fields of study whose sectors are hiring and using this information to reverse engineer a student journey that can help them land a job in that sector. International student totals are reaching all-time highs every year. Given this reality, students need to do everything they can to equip themselves with a plan to stay ahead.

About the ApplyInsights Team

FOOTNOTES:

1. All data courtesy of , unless otherwise noted.

2. Minimum of 100 PGWP approvals in 2022.

The post Students From These Countries Are Pursuing °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s PGWP at a Higher Rate appeared first on ApplyBoard.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government implemented distance learning measures, allowing international students to continue studying online from outside the country while remaining eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).Ěý

These exceptions were key for international students completing their program online through the pandemic. It enabled them to still pursue work and study in Canada and start their careers after graduation.Ěý

Good news: now, affected students will have an additional year to transition back to in-person learning in Canada.

Distance Learning Transition Period

On August 25, 2022, as part of the country’s return to pre-pandemic requirements, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a studying online from overseas.Ěý

Distance learning measures have been officially extended to August 31, 2023 for those studying online from abroad. Students who by August 31, 2022 can still complete up to 100% of their program online without their PGWP eligibility being affected.Ěý

However, no matter when their studies begin, any time spent studying abroad on or after September 1, 2023 will shorten the length of a student’s PGWP eligibility. This is because, after the end of the transition period, time spent studying online from overseas doesn’t count toward PGWP as study in Canada.

In addition, to remain eligible for a PGWP, no more than 50% of credits earned can be completed outside of Canada.

International students starting a Canadian program after September 1, 2022 should keep these rules in mind, and consider travelling to Canada to resume their studies in person at their earliest opportunity.Ěý

Need to submit your study permit application in a hurry? Read our frequently asked questions guide to set yourself up for success.

Quotes from Industry Leaders

ApplyBoard’s leadership and partners had positive things to say about the announcement.

“During the pandemic Canada has been able to quickly offer immigration solutions to international students,” said Antonio AragĂłn, Director of Partner Sales at ApplyBoard. “This latest IRCC update is meant to facilitate the transition into face-to-face learning, which is the ultimate goal. Students pending study permit decisions shouldn’t delay their studies and take the best advantage of this unprecedented opportunity.”

Rajnish Sharma, ApplyBoard’s Director of Sales in South Asia, said: “This latest measure from IRCC extends amazing flexibility and opportunity to a great number of students, who want to realize their dreams of starting Canadian education in 2022/2023. At ApplyBoard, we are very excited and positive about this recent update.”

Canada Remains a Top Destination for International Students

The creation of this transition period underlines °ä˛ą˛Ô˛ą»ĺ˛ąâ€™s continued leadership in the international education space and the country’s ongoing support for international students who choose to study and work in Canada.Ěý

Earlier this year, the IRCC issued new work permits for those with expiring PGWPs, extending their stay in Canada by up to 18 months.Ěý

Although Canada has experienced an immigration processing backlog due to the volatile events of the last few years, the IRCC has been working diligently to catch up. The IRCC finalized a record number of study permit applications in 2021 (nearly 560,000), and .

Thanks to key benefits like the PGWP and these continued measures, international students continue to be well-served by choosing to study in Canada—even when studying online from abroad.

As always, visit the for more details and the most up-to-date information on work permit eligibility.Ěý

Looking for help with your own study abroad journey?

The post Canada Extends Distance Learning Measures for International Students appeared first on ApplyBoard.