Canadian Study Permits & PGWP

Navigating the international student pathway, from securing a study permit to obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and eventually permanent residence.

2024 Policy Changes

In early 2024, the federal government announced a temporary two-year cap on new international student permits, resulting in an expected 35% decrease in approved study permits compared to 2023. Additionally, students applying for undergraduate or college programs must now provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province where they intend to study.

The Pathway to PR

The standard route for international students is:

  1. Study Permit: Attend a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  2. Graduation: Complete an eligible program of at least 8 months.
  3. PGWP: Apply for an open work permit. The length depends on the program duration (use our PGWP Estimator).
  4. Work Experience: Gain 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
  5. Express Entry: Apply for PR via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or a Provincial Nominee Program.

Financial Requirements

As of 2024, a single applicant must show they have at least $20,635 CAD in living expenses for their first year, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. This is double the previous requirement, reflecting the true cost of living in Canada.

Next Steps

Calculate your potential points via the CRS Calculator, factoring in the bonus points you receive for Canadian educational credentials.