Study Permit Updates
Note that the details provided on this page are based on information available at the time of publication.
It's important to be aware that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other government departments frequently revise their policies.
Visit IRCC's official website for the most current and up-to-date information. As information is provided, we will continue to update this page and connect with the TRU community directly.
For a comprehensive overview of recent changes related to studying in Canada, we encourage you to explore the FAQ developed by Universities Canada.
If at any time you are feeling uncertain or concerned, TRU has teams here to support you throughout this transition period. Current TRU students can connect directly with our International Student Advisors, while students in the application process are welcome to chat with one of our International Marketing Services Representatives.
Information for new students
What is a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?
A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is a letter written and signed by the provincial government confirming that an applicant has a space within the provincial allocation for study permit applications.
The PAL letter is a mandatory document required for your study permit application. The good news is that you do not need to apply for a PAL with the provincial government directly. TRU takes care of this process on your behalf.
Do I need a provincial attestation letter?
Most students need to provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where they plan to study. Please visit IRCC’s website for an exhaustive list of exemptions.
As of 2025, applicants for our master's degree programs at TRU will be included in the study permit cap and will require a PAL. We encourage you to apply for your study permit as soon as you have all the necessary documents.
Who can provide a provincial attestation letter?
These provincial attestation letters (PAL) will be provided to you by TRU on behalf of the Government of British Columbia. The issuance of PALs in BC began on March 4, 2024.
You do not need to apply for a PAL separately; TRU takes care of this process on your behalf during the admission process.
How do I get a provincial attestation letter?
The PAL letter is a mandatory document required for your study permit application. The good news is that you do not need to apply for a PAL separately; TRU takes care of this process on your behalf.
It's important to note that at TRU, only students who have paid their tuition deposit and received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) are eligible for the PAL. At TRU, the issuance of a PAL to students with an LOA is guaranteed. Therefore, if you haven't already done so, we strongly encourage you to pay your tuition deposit at the earliest opportunity. This will help expedite the issuance of your PAL.
What if I don't meet the deadlines for my Fall 2024 TRU application?
TRU is monitoring the study permit processing and approval closely. When necessary and capacity permits, TRU may adjust application and study permit confirmation deadlines to support our incoming students. All students are encouraged to continue submitting their applications as soon as they are ready and their study permit approval confirmation immediately after approval. As information is updated, we will keep you posted on deadline adjustments as they arise. You can find the most up-to-date deadlines here.
Information for current students
This information applies to students who are already studying on campus at TRU:
How will this impact my study permit extension?
Study permit extensions submitted before the 2025 cap is announced will be subject to 2024 conditions,exempting them from the new PAL requirement. However, most permit extensions after the cap takes effect in January 2025 will require a new PAL. You should be able to proceed with your study permit extension as per IRCC's current requirements.
Kindly note that when you are applying for a study permit extension you must use a current Letter of Enrolment. If you have further questions, our International Student Advisors are here to support you
Information about PGWP
How does this impact my PGWP?
Starting on February 15, 2024, a longer, 3-year post-graduation work permit will be available to those who are graduating from a master’s degree program that is less than 2 years and who meet all other PGWP eligibility criteria.
Graduates of all other non-master's degree programs that are at least two years in length should continue to refer to IRCC's website for further updates.
From November 1, 2024, onwards, all PGWP applicants will need to meet language requirements aligned with permanent residency programs: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 for university graduates (including TRU) .
Accepted tests include CELPIP, IELTS, PTE Core and French equivalents.
CLB levels for English tests
| Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CELPIP (General) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| IELTS (General Training) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| PTE Core | 60-68 | 69-78 | 60-70 | 68-75 |
NCLC levels for French tests
| TCF Canada | 453-498 | 11-Oct | 458-502 | 11-Oct |
| TEF Canada (for tests taken after Dec. 10, 2023) | 434-461 | 428-471 | 434-461 | 456-493 |
| (for tests taken between Oct. 1, 2019, and Dec. 10, 2023) | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 |
If you have further questions, our Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors are here to support you.
Do the new requirements for the PGWP apply to those applying for a study permit before November 1, 2024?
The new PGWP language requirement will apply to anyone applying for a PGWP after November 1, 2024. Students applying for a study permit to a college or university diploma and certificate programs after November 1 will be subject to labor market alignment rules.
Those applying for a study permit extension before November 1 will follow the old requirements.
Does providing a language test result for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) exempt students from taking another test when applying for permanent residency (PR)?
No, providing a language test result for the PGWP does not exempt students from language testing when applying for PR. However, the same language test results can be used for both applications if they are still valid (within two years) and from an accepted test for economic immigration.
Do the new PGWP requirements apply to current students or those applying for a study permit extension before November 1, 2024?
The new language requirement for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will apply to anyone applying for a PGWP after November 1, 2024. However, those applying for a study permit extension before November 1 will follow the old requirements.
Current students will be grandfathered in and remain eligible for the PGWP, provided they meet the new language requirement if they apply after November 1. There is no change in PGWP eligibility for TRU students graduating from diploma, bachelor's, and master's degree programs, and they will still be eligible for a PGWP of up to three years, exempt from the field of study requirement.
Have there been any changes to the duration of the PGWP?
No, the duration of the PGWP up to 3 years remains unchanged.
How will IRCC connect my credential to a specific CIP code when I apply for a PGWP?
IRCC is exploring options to update the PGWP application process to allow applicants to identify the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code of their program. You can find your CIP codes on your Conditional Letter of Acceptance and Letter of Acceptance.
Additionally, institutions can increase transparency by adding the CIP code to the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) so that students and agents can easily determine whether their program is PGWP-eligible.
Further guidance from IRCC will be published as it becomes available. Stay tuned to the IRCC webpage for more information. IRCC will rely on documentation from applicants, supported by TRU- provided documents, to confirm eligibility based on the field of study.
Why is the Early Childhood Education or Engineering Technologist program not represented on the PGWP field of study list?
IRCC’s list of eligible occupations is aligned with the category-based selection pathways for express entry draws for permanent residency. The list of occupations and associated CIP codes will be reviewed and updated periodically. Early Childhood Education and Engineering Technologist programs are being considered by IRCC for potential inclusion in future updates to the eligibility criteria.
Why are some university programs fully eligible for the PGWP while others are not?
IRCC sets the eligibility criteria for the PGWP program. University bachelor’s and graduate degree programs do not need to meet the field of study requirement to qualify for the PGWP.
However, diploma, certificate, and associate degree programs offered by universities are subject to the field of study requirement.
Are TRU’s associate degrees subject to the field of study requirement?
Yes, our associate degrees are subject to the field of study requirement.
Will students completing two one-year certificates at a public institutions continue to be eligible for a 3-year PGWP under the new policy?
IRCC is currently reviewing this policy. For students completing two one-year certificates, it is unclear if both certificates will need to align with the CIP code list to be eligible for the PGWP or if only one must be aligned. Further information will be provided once IRCC issues an update.
If a student transfers to a different institution under the new regulations requiring a new study permit, will their PGWP eligibility be assessed based on the new study permit or the original one?
PGWP eligibility will be assessed based on the credential the student graduates with. Transferring through different programs or institutions, such as from a college to a university degree, does not affect PGWP eligibility.
Do I need a new study permit if I transfer to another institution in BC?
Yes. International students must now apply for and be approved for a new study permit before transferring to a different Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The new permit will specify the authorized DLI, and a PAL from the new institution must be included in the application.
However, some students may begin studying at the new institution while waiting for their new study permit, provided they meet certain conditions.
For full details on these conditions and requirements, visit the IRCC website.
