IRCC Latest Updates

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Latest updates


On September 18, 2024, Canada announced changes to the temporary residence programs, which includes study and work permits. We recognize that some announced changes likely have raised concerns for prospective and current students. We are committed to supporting our students during this time. 

At this time, based on ongoing conversations with the provincial government and anticipated enrolment plans, we are confident that international students who accept a TWU graduate program offer will receive a supporting provincial attestation letter for their study permit application. 

Please take note of these important details relevant to graduate program applicants/current students: 

  • As of 2025, master's and doctoral students will be included in the cap and require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)Admitted applicants will receive a PAL from TWU Admissions Team after they accept their offer of admission.
  • Graduate certificate, graduate diploma and visiting students already required a PAL since 2024.
  • The cap does not impact study permit validity or study permit extension applications in Canada.
  • As of 2025, if your study permit is expiring and you need to extend it to start a new/different program, you will need a PAL. You will not need a PAL to extend your study permit to continue in the same program.
  • Graduate students of master’s degree programs continue to be eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) for 3 years, even if their program of study is less than 2 years, so long as they meet ALL PGWP eligibility requirements. Graduate certificates and diplomas are not master's degrees and thus do not qualify for this.
  • While graduates from master's and doctoral degree programs will continue to be eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) without a field of study requirement, there are proposed changes to the requirements, such as proof of language skills having been introduced
  • Later this year, spouses and common-law partners of Master's degree students will only be eligible for spousal work permits if the program the student is enrolled in is at least 16 months in duration. There are no changes for spouses or common-law partners of doctoral students.
  • You can review the original governmental news release for background information.  

 

On Dec 7, 2023, Canada announced that the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised because the value had not been changed since the early 2000s and hasn’t kept up with living costs over time. Moving forward, this threshold will be adjusted each year when Statistics Canada updates the low-income cut-off (LICO). This change applies to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024. 

Trinity Western University (TWU) is a government-approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with DLI number O19347055392. 

 

TWU RCICs/RISIAs will keep an eye on updates to the IRCC website and will update our records for TWU international students as new information becomes available.

If you are a TWU student with a valid study permit and need further clarification regarding the new IRCC policies, you can use the following methods to access the most up-to-date information on IRCC policies from TWU RCICs/RISIAs:

  • Method 1: Contact TWU RCICs/RISIAs through our Service hub online form HERE. We will need to review your study permits and academic records to follow up on any immigration-related concerns. DO NOT send emails to us. 
  • Method 2: You are welcome to sign up for weekly immigration advising  workshops. Even though each workshop has a specific topic, we still provide the most up-to-date IRCC policies every week to students who attend the workshops. Students can register at any time whenever works for them. Explore our most updated weekly workshop schedule on the TWU Event Calendar.

*Last updated September 20, 2024.


IRCC Temporary Policy (Updated January 22, 2024 & March 1, 2024)
IRCC Temporary Policy (Updated December 7, 2023)
IRCC Temporary Policy (Updated September 6, 2023)
IRCC Temporary Policy (Updated August 4, 2023)

The information on this page is based on information available at the time of publishing.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other government departments are constantly revising their policies. Links for the most current information have been provided for each question; however updates may be published elsewhere


If you still have questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada?

  • Workshops and Seminars: Our workshops and seminars are conducted regularly to help international students stay informed and empowered. Link to TWU Calendar. You can find the upcoming events hosted by TWU RCICs or RISIAs.
  • Service Hub: For personalized assistance in resolving immigration-related questions, please submit your inquiries through Service Hub - International Student Help. Our team is here to provide specific support and help with any concerns you may have. Please note that TWU RCICs or RISIAs can only assist international students, their spouses, common-law partners, and children. We do not submit IRCC applications on behalf of international students.

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Article ID: 153430
Created
Thu 8/3/23 12:39 PM
Modified
Mon 11/18/24 5:50 AM