Important Update from Mohawk College on changes to international student program

Answering your questions about changes to Canada’s international student program.

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant changes to the country’s international student program on January 22. Please note that the announced changes do not affect international students currently attending Ontario colleges.

This is what we know today:

  • The Canadian government is setting an intake cap on international student permit applications for a period of two years. The changes will reduce the number of study permits nationwide to about 360,000 for 2024.
  • The province of Ontario decides how allocations are distributed in the province and advises colleges and universities accordingly. 
  • Student visa applications submitted on or after January 22, 2024, now require an attestation from the province or territory the student will be studying in. Visa applications submitted prior to January 22 are not affected by this change. Ontario's attestation process is administered by the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS).
  • Effective May 15, 2024, students who have registered after this date at private career colleges will no longer be eligible for Post-Graduate Work Permits. This includes private colleges in partnership with public colleges. Mohawk College’s Mississauga campus is in partnership with triOS College and is impacted by this change. More details on this can be found in the FAQ below.

We understand that these raise many questions and concerns for our students.  

International students should be cautious of information or advice related to these changes that is being shared through social media or other non-official channels. Mohawk College is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates when new information becomes available. 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What will Mohawk College’s allocation be?

This information is not publicly available.

Is Mohawk College still accepting applications?

Yes! We continue to welcome students from around the World. Please reach out to our market specialist team to discuss program availability and your study options.

How does this announcement impact current students?

The IRCC has indicated that current study permit holders or study permit renewals (extensions) will not be impacted by the caps. Please make sure if you are applying for a study permit extension of renewal that you do so before it expires to maintain your current status.

How does this announcement affect spouses of current students?

The IRCC has indicated that all open spousal work permit applications must be received by March 19th, 2024. After this date, spouses of international students, will no longer be eligible for these permits. The impact on the spouses of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders remains uncertain and requires further clarification from IRCC. 

Please refer to the latest information from IRCC https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/help-your-spouse-common-law-partner-work-canada.html

How do these changes affect Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility- Hamilton Campuses?

All programs at our Hamilton campuses remain eligible for PGWP and are not impacted by the recent changes.

How do these changes affect Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility- Mississauga Campus? 

As part of the changes to PGWPs, students studying at private career colleges will no longer be eligible for post-graduate work permits. This includes private colleges in partnership with public colleges. Mohawk College’s Mississauga campus is a partnership with triOS College and will be impacted by this change. As a result of this change to PGWPs, Mohawk College be will not be offering new program intakes at the Mississauga campus starting in September.

I am starting my program in May 2024 at the Mississauga Campus does this impact me?

You should continue your studies as planned at the Mississauga campus for the spring semester.

Effective May 15, 2024, students who have registered after this date at private career colleges will no longer be eligible for Post-Graduate Work Permits. To ensure you maintain your eligibility to receive a post-graduate work permit the registration deadline for the May 2024 semester is now May 10th, 2024.

Important! Please ensure you have completed your registration process by May 10th, 2024 to ensure you are eligible for your PGWP.

What happens with my application if I applied to the Mississauga campus for Fall 2024?

Your application for Fall 2024 at the Mississauga campus will be withdrawn, and you are no longer eligible to study at the campus during this term. Your application, and any payments, will be automatically moved to the Fall 2024 intake at Mohawk’s Hamilton campuses. If you have questions, please contact your market specialist directly.

What is the housing guarantee announced by the Ontario government?

In a media release on January 26, Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities announced measures it was taking to address international education. A housing options guarantee was included in this announcement but no details were provided. We are waiting for more information from the province.


 

 

Attestation Letters

 

What is a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?

An attestation letter is a supporting document from the province where the student plans to study. These letters are now a required document for an initial study permit application. Each province or territory is developing a process for applicants to get an attestation letter. These processes are expected to be in place by March 31, 2024. Until this happens, the IRCC will return any application received on or after January 22, 2024, without an attestation letter, unless you’re exempt. More information can be found on the IRCC attestation website.

Do initial permit applications need to provide an attestation letter?

As of January 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to IRCC requires an attestation letter from the province of Ontario. Applications submitted prior to January 22 do not need an attestation letter. 

More information can be found on the IRCC website.

Do current students need an attestation letter to extend their study permit?

No, students applying to extend their study permit are exempt from needing an attestation letter as long as they apply before their current permit expires.

More information can be found on the IRCC attestation website.

How do I apply for an attestation letter?

Mohawk College must apply for the provincial attestation letter (PAL) on your behalf. In order to be eligible for a PAL you must meet the criteria as outlined on your offer of admission. Once eligibility is confirmed, Mohawk will begin the PAL process for you. Please refer to the international admissions page for eligibility requirements.