International study permit cap overview

Feb. 7, 2024

The federal government announced in late January a planned reduction in the number of international study permits it will issue over the next two years. This measure is intended to address the rapid increase in the number of international students entering Canada and give time to implement a recognized institution framework that ensures institutions are providing adequate supports and housing for international students.

What this policy means for Wilfrid Laurier University current and future students:

As part of this new process, as of Jan. 22, 2024, international students who do not currently hold a Canadian study permit applying to undergraduate programs at Laurier will require a provincial attestation letter (PAL) to study in Canada.

Current international students enrolled in graduate and undergraduate programs at Laurier will not be impacted by this change.

International students currently completing their studies at Laurier will still be able to apply for a post-graduate work permit upon graduation.

Next steps:

• Laurier is closely monitoring this situation and providing information directly to future international students and our own international student community.
• Answers to frequently asked questions are posted to the future international student website and details will be added as more information becomes available.
• The Council of Ontario Universities and Universities Canada is in contact with the provincial and federal governments to advocate and advise on how the caps should be implemented.

At Laurier, we have carefully and thoughtfully grown our international student population, ensuring our students have the wrap-around supports to adjust to life and studies in Canada. Similar to our first-year domestic students, we also guarantee our first-year undergraduate international students a place in Laurier’s residences.

International students are an important part of the Laurier community, enriching our campuses and classrooms. Welcoming international students fosters global citizenship and intercultural understanding for all Laurier students.