Starting January 22, 2024, Canada has introduced a two-year limit on the number of international students allowed into the country. This year, only 360,000 international students will be accepted, marking a 35% decrease from 2023. However, this cap does not affect students pursuing postgraduate studies or those already holding study permits. Instead of directly controlling admissions, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assign quotas to each province, which will then distribute them among educational institutions.

For undergraduate students planning to study in Canada, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is typically required. It's essential to note that PAL only applies to undergraduate students.

Effective September 1st, changes will be made to Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility and duration. Students enrolled in Curriculum Licensing Agreements (where public college curriculums are delivered by private colleges) will no longer qualify for PGWP. Additionally, postgraduate students, regardless of program duration, will now be eligible for a three-year PGWP, unlike before when only those in two-year master's programs were eligible.

Previously, the spouses of all international students in Canada were eligible for Open Work Permits. However, this policy has changed. Now, only spouses of postgraduate students will qualify for this work permit.