Immigration Updates for International Students
Page updated: October 3, 2024
Additional PAL and PGWP Updates
On September 18, 2024, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees & CitizenshipĀ Ā to Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirements and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.Ā These changes follow other changes that were announced .Ā For a summary of those earlier changes, refer to the āProvincial Attestation Letter and Study Permit Updatesā section below.Ā
As per the most recent government announcement:
- Beginning November 1, 2024, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications will include a language proficiency requirement. Applicants must submit proof of English or French language proficiency (e.g. standardized test score) as part of their PGWP application. University graduates will require a Canadian Language Benchmark (or equivalent) score of 7 or higher. Approved language proficiency tests: CELPIP (General), IELTS (General Training), PTE Core, TEF (Canada), TFC Canada. Test scores are valid for 2 years from the time of testing.
- Beginning January 1, 2025, students in the following groups will require a PAL:
- Students applying to a Dalhousie program that is longer than 6 months in duration, regardless of the credential (e.g. certificate, diploma, Undergraduate degree, Masterās degree, or Doctoral degree).
- Current study permit holders who move from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another DLI (e.g. Dalhousie).
- Current study permit holders who move from a Canadian high school to a Canadian college or university.
- Students who apply to extend an existing study permit because they are transitioning from one degree program to another degree program at the same DLI (e.g. undergraduate to Masterās).
- Beginning January 1, 2025, the following students will NOT require a PAL:
- Exchange students who come to Dalhousie for one OR two semesters.
For a full list of which groups do and do not require a PAL (before and after January 1, 2025), visit the New Student Immigration Information page on the International Centre website.
More details about the most recent government announcement will be posted on the later this fall. The Working in Canada page Ģż²¹²Ō»å Studying in Canada page on the International Centre website will continue to be updated accordingly.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Applications at the Border No Longer PermittedĀ
On June 21, 2024, theĀ Ā that Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications canĀ no longerĀ be processed at a Canadian port-of-entry (e.g. border). This effectively ends what has been unofficially referred to as āflag-poling.ā All PGWP applications must now be submitted online. Most graduates can begin working as soon as their PGWP application is submitted, if they have metĀ all the PGWP eligibility requirements. For detailed instructions and guides on how to apply for your PGWP online, please visit theĀ Ā on the Government of Canada website.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) and Study Permit Updates
On January 22, 2024, the Government of Canada announced changes that affect the study permit application process for some new international studentsĀ Students who are affected by this change are now required to submit aĀ Ā with their study permit application. Ā
. Each Canadian province and territory has been allocated a maximum number of PALs that can be issued on an annual basis. In turn, educational institutions within each province and territory have also been allocated a maximum number of PALs that can be issued to new international students.Ā
The new PAL system has resulted in changes to the application and acceptance process at Dalhousie. It has also resulted in changes to the study permit application process. PleaseĀ refer toĀ the New Student Immigration Information pageĀ to learn if/how the new application processes may affect you.