Recent Changes to Enrolment Caps for International Students

We’ll keep this page current with government-confirmed information as it becomes available. 

 

Updated on: October 9, 2024 

 

On January 22, 2024, the Canadian Government announced a cap on international student permits for the year 2024.  

 

Understanding the Impact on Prospective International Students at NBCCD 

Enrolment caps for international students will be determined by each province. The exact numbers for the caps have not yet been announced. Confirmation of these caps is expected by March 31, 2024. 

Admitted international students for the 2024-2025 academic year must submit an attestation letter from New Brunswick along with their study permit application. However, detailed requirements and processes for the attestation letter are not currently available. 

This new enrolment cap and attestation requirement do not apply to current students already enroled and holding a valid study permit.  

International students who are accepted and submit a study permit application without the required attestation letter will not receive a study permit response from IRCC.

 

For the latest updates and further details, please visit the links below or the IRCC Website. 

January 22, 2024: Canada to stabilize growth and decrease number of new international student permits issued to approximately 360,000 for 2024

February 5, 2024: Additional information about International Student Program reforms

September 18, 2024: Strengthening temporary residence programs for sustainable volumes

October 4, 2024: Changes to PGWP eligibility criteria

 

 

  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

    Starting at 8:30 AM EST on January 22, 2024, most study permit applications will require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province where you intend to study. This requirement applies to all NBCCD applicants submitting a study permit application after this date and time. Be sure to obtain your PAL as part of your study permit process.

     

    Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) 

    As part of new policies introduced by the Province of New Brunswick for all post-secondary institutions, the authority to issue a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) lies with the Province. Once approved, the PAL will be distributed to applicants through NBCCD.

    If you do not have a valid study permit approval or did not submit your application to IRCC before 8:30 AM EST on January 22, 2024, you will need a PAL to proceed.

    Provincial Attestation Letters can be issued to international students whose application has been accepted and who have paid the $2600 confirmation fee in full. International students will also be required to pay the full amount for their first semester tuition by August 1, 2025.

    If you have any questions, please email nbccd.admissions@gnb.ca.

  • Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Updates
    Key Changes to PGWP Eligibility:  

     If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024: 

    • Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.

    If you submit your study permit application on or after November 1, 2024: 

    • Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.
    • Field of study requirement: You must graduate from a program recognized as an eligible field of study, specifically one linked to occupations in long-term shortage.