Students Studying in Canada Immigration Policy Updates

The Province of British Columbia has announced several policy and process changes to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program. These changes will take place in January 2025, with instructions on how the changes will be operationalized scheduled for release in Fall 2024. A detailed summary of the updates and the criteria will be published in the BC PNP Skills Immigration Program Guide for Fall 2024.

Below are helpful resources for students as they look to learn more.

Links and Resources

British Columbia Immigration

BC PNP Program

BC PNP Targeted Occupations

BC PNP Tech Stream

Skills Immigration Program Guide

Guidance and Support

Northeastern and OGS Canada is happy to provide information regarding your application for a study permit, maintaining status as an international student in Canada, work options as a student or suggest additional supporting documents or explanations as needed.

If you prefer to have someone prepare and submit your application on your behalf, or if you have inquiries regarding the forms or documents necessary for a permanent residence application, we recommend considering the services of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or lawyer.

Please note that students who are applying for a study permit to participate in a Master’s level program are exempt from the new requirement to have a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). All of the programs at the Northeastern Canadian campuses are at a Master’s level and therefore PAL exempt.  For more information please see the information on the IRCC website.

As of January 22, 2024, the Minister of IRCC announced a number of changes to the Study Permit program. Please note that we have been advised as of this time, that these changes will not apply to our students, as Master’s and PhD students are exempt. 

We will continue to update this information when more information has been shared.

Starting December 1, 2023, IRCC now requires Northeastern University to validate the Letter of Acceptance (called Proof of Acceptance, for international students at NU Canadian Campuses) for each student who uses this document to apply for a study permit.

It is very important that students thoroughly check their POA document before applying for a study permit, so that the OGS Canada team can successfully complete the validation process. Please make sure that your POA has correct information, including the following: 

• First and last name (given name and family name)
• Date of birth
• Program of Study
• Start Date of Program 
• Expiration of POA
• Duration of studies

Students should not apply for a Study Permit using the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from their College. The LOA clearly states that this is not the letter to use for your study permit application. Instead, students need to use the Proof of Acceptance, (POA).

If any of the above information is missing, or you have used the LOA to apply, instead of the POA, the validation cannot be completed and IRCC will return your study permit application to you. You will be able to request a refund, but you will need to resubmit your application. 

As of January 1, 2024, all students applying for a study permit to study in Canada must be able to show, in addition to their first year tuition fees, they have at least $20,635 CAD to cover their estimated living expenses for the first year. This amount is for a single student – if you plan on bringing dependents with you, this amount will be higher. Please refer to the IRCC website here for more specific information on proof of funds.