What Is An Attestation Letter?
Each study permit application must include an attestation letter from the province or territory where the student will attend school. An attestation letter is a document that states that you will do what you came to the country to do. It prevents the use of a student visa for illegal entry.
Changes to Post Graduation Work Permits
Formerly, international students were given a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), that allowed them to seek work in their field and eventually acquire citizenship. The work permit is now limited to three years, which is not enough time for many students to complete their post-graduate work and make the transition to permanent residency.
Cuts to Student Spousal Work Permits
Previously, the spouses of undergraduates were able to obtain work permits so that they could support the student going to school. The IRCC has now limited the availability of these work permits to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs.
A Stop-Gap Measure With Positive Intentions
Without these new limits on visas and work permits, it is estimated that an additional 900,000 plus international students would have surged into the country, creating untenable circumstances and administrative chaos. Many of these students were prepared to pay the new cost-of-living requirement fee for international students, or bring their spouse to support them.
Between now and 2025, Paul Miller promised robust discussions between the federal government and DLIs in each province to create a Trusted Framework agreement that will clarify and expedite study permit processing. The cap is meant to be temporary but bound to interrupt the academic plans of many.
