Study Permit
Canada remains one of the top destinations for international students seeking high-quality education. However, the government has recently introduced significant changes to the study permit process to improve program integrity and address systemic challenges such as housing shortages and the misuse of student pathways for immigration.
At Kahlon Law Office, we provide expert legal guidance to ensure your study permit application is strong, compliant, and legally sound.
In January 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) imposed a cap on study permits, limiting new international study permits to 360,000 for 2024. This cap is expected to further decrease to 437,000 in 2025, a 10% reduction from the previous year. The government’s goal is to manage the rapid growth of international students and its impact on housing, healthcare, and employment.
As of January 22, 2024, most study permit applicants must provide a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL). This letter confirms that the applicant’s admission aligns with provincial study permit quotas and priorities. Without a PAL/TAL, applications will be returned without processing.
Effective November 15, 2024, international students who wish to change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) must first apply for and receive a new study permit. This change prevents students from switching to lower-quality institutions after arriving in Canada.
Starting January 1, 2024, financial requirements for study permit applicants were increased to better reflect the actual cost of living in Canada. Applicants now need to demonstrate sufficient funds to avoid financial hardship during their studies.
As of November 2024, students enrolling in programs that are not related to occupations facing labor shortages may no longer be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This policy aims to align student pathways with Canada’s economic and workforce needs.
To qualify for a study permit, applicants must:
Case Law Insight: In Etwaroo v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2021 FC 1160, the court ruled that study permit refusals based on financial insufficiency must be supported by clear reasoning, especially when applicants provide verifiable financial support from family members.
Visa officers frequently refuse study permits due to insufficient proof of financial resources.
Recent Case: In Mostofi v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2024 FC 1496, the Federal Court ruled that IRCC can require six months of bank statements, even if other visa offices accept different financial proof.
Officers may refuse applications if they believe the chosen program doesn’t align with the applicant’s past education or career goals.
Recent Case: In Nia v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2022 FC 1648, the court ruled that officers cannot reject applications simply because they find a study choice “illogical.”
When a visa officer refuses an application, they must provide clear reasons and engage meaningfully with the applicant’s evidence.
Recent Case: In Patel v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2020 FC 77, the Federal Court ruled that refusals based on credibility concerns require officers to give applicants a chance to respond.
Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be complex and challenging. At Kahlon Law Office, we ensure your application is well-prepared and legally sound, reducing the risk of refusals.
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