Exclusions from Canada’s International Student Visa Cap: What You Need to Know

The cap on student visas does not apply to several categories:

Study Permit Renewals: Those who are renewing their study permits are exempt from the cap. This exemption ensures that current students can continue their education in Canada without interruption.

Master’s and Doctoral Degree Pursuers: Individuals pursuing advanced degrees such as master’s or doctoral degrees are also exempt. This exemption recognizes the significance of supporting higher education pursuits in Canada.

Elementary and Secondary Education Students: Students enrolled in elementary or secondary education are exempt as well. This exemption underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining accessibility to primary and secondary education for international students.

Current Study Permit Holders: The cap does not impact current study permit holders. This exemption aims to provide stability and continuity for students already studying in Canada, allowing them to complete their education without disruption.

Navigating the Provincial Attestation Letter: A Key Component in Canada’s Immigration Process

This letter serves as a validation of the applicant’s eligibility for the provincial nomination. Provincial governments use this document to verify various aspects of the application, such as the applicant’s intention to reside and work in the province, their skills and qualifications, and their contribution to the local economy or community.

Effective January 22, 2024, the implementation of a study permit cap necessitates that all study permit applications submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require a provincial attestation letter from a province or territory. Provinces and territories are expected to establish procedures for issuing these letters to students by March 31, 2024.

Moreover, students intending to study in Quebec for a duration exceeding 6 months must also obtain an attestation of issuance of the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Government of Quebec.

It’s important to note that study permit applications received before the enactment of the new Ministerial Instructions on January 22, 2024, which established the study permit cap, will continue to be processed without the necessity of a provincial attestation letter.

Certain exceptions apply to this requirement. Students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees, attending primary or secondary school, or applying for a study permit extension are exempted from the attestation letter requirement and may proceed with their study visa applications without it.

For study permit applications received after January 22, 2024, without the requisite provincial attestation letter (excluding the aforementioned exemptions), processing will be temporarily halted by IRCC. These applications will be returned to students until the necessary documentation is provided.

Key Components of the Attestation Letter

• Confirmation of Intention to Reside: The letter typically confirms that the applicant intends to settle and contribute to the economic and social development of the province. This demonstrates the applicant’s commitment to becoming an active member of the community.

   

• Verification of Information: The provincial authorities thoroughly review the applicant’s credentials, including their education, work experience, language proficiency, and any other qualifications relevant to the nomination program. The attestation letter confirms the accuracy of this information.

   

• Endorsement of Nomination: Perhaps most importantly, the Provincial Attestation Letter serves as an endorsement of the applicant’s nomination for permanent residence in Canada. It signifies that the provincial government has assessed the applicant’s suitability and has chosen to support their immigration application.

Understanding Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility Criteria: September 2024 Updates

Effective September 1, 2024, significant changes have been introduced to the eligibility criteria of the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

Under the updated regulations, international students enrolled in study programs that are part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer qualify for a post-graduation work permit upon completing their studies. This adjustment aims to address concerns regarding oversight in private colleges operating under such arrangements.

However, amidst these changes, there’s positive news for graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs. They will soon enjoy the benefit of a 3-year work permit, marking a departure from the previous system where the permit’s duration was solely determined by the length of the study program. This modification grants master’s graduates an extended period to accumulate valuable work experience, potentially facilitating their transition to permanent residence status.

Institutions Accepting Backlogs

1. Conestoga College
2. Saskatchewan Polytechnic
3. Capilano University
4. Northern College, Timmins
5. University Canada West
6. Thompson Rivers University
7. Nipissing University    
8. Vancouver Island University
9. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
10. Cape Breton University
11. NorQuest College
12. Trinity Western University
13. Fairleigh Dickinson University
14. Crandall University
15. Durham College

    
    GIC Updates

In light of historical trends, it is evident that the international education sector possesses a remarkable ability to adapt to challenges, often yielding positive outcomes over time. The recent policy changes implemented by Canada mark a significant departure from its traditional reliance on open immigration to address workforce shortages amid a rapidly ageing demographic. Despite these shifts, Canada’s enduring appeal to international students is anticipated to remain steadfast in the long term.

Here at Avon Visa Circuit, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional services to both our students and partner institutions. While the newly introduced measures may initially present obstacles that could potentially dissuade students from pursuing studies in Canada, leading them to explore alternative destinations such as the USA, UK, Australia, and European countries, we anticipate a return to stability in due course.