Updates for international students regarding enrolment and study permits
This page was created following an announcement by the Canadian government on Jan. 22, 2024 regarding a cap on international student study permits. This is where Georgian will continue to update our current and future international students.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible programs at Georgian
We recognize that choosing the right program as an international student is an important decision in your education journey. Part of that decision may include ensuring your program is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which potentially allows you to work in Canada after completing your studies.
Based on the updated guidelines from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), we’ve created a list of PGWP eligible Georgian programs. Filter the list by program title and code, location, program start and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. A CIP code is used for classifying instructional programs according to field of study, helping you find your desired educational pathway. All programs listed currently align with the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes identified as per the latest IRCC PGWP eligibility criteria.
For more information on each program, please visit our programs page.
This list was last updated on Dec. 05, 2024. Please note Canadian immigration laws and subsequent developments, like this program list, are subject to change. Please review the official IRCC website as the source for the most up-to-date information.
A message from Kevin Weaver, Georgian College President and CEO
We’ve been eagerly anticipating this announcement about how many international study permits will be allocated to Georgian College. Since late January, we’ve been planning for several scenarios and now that we have our allocation, as well as the direction to prioritize sectors such as engineering and technology, hospitality, child care, health human resources, and construction/skilled trades, we will quickly assess and refine our plan. At initial review, we’re encouraged by our allocation as it speaks to the importance of Georgian programming to the local labour market and the Ontario economy.
Our first focus will be students who’ve applied to study with us in the fall semester. We know this has been a very challenging and uncertain time for them as they try to plan their future studies and we want to give them clarity as soon as we can.
I’ll repeat what I said in January: International students are valued contributors to our classrooms, communities and economy and we recognize our institutional responsibility in welcoming and supporting them. I will provide further updates to the Georgian community about the impact of our allocation in the coming days.
– Kevin Weaver, President and CEO
I want to provide you with an update following the federal government’s announcement on Jan. 22 regarding a temporary national cap on study permits for two years. You likely have many questions, and I want to assure you that Georgian understands your concerns and is committed to advocating on behalf of our valued international student community, as well as providing you with updates as we learn more.
You may wish to read the government’s announcement in full, but to summarize, here are the main points impacting the Georgian College student population:
- An intake cap on international study permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023 which will be distributed proportionally across the country based on population.
- Starting Sept. 1, 2024, international students who begin a study program part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon graduation.
There is much we still need to learn about how this affects our college and your education. Here is what we do know so far:
- The permit application will be based on each province’s population. The Ontario government will be responsible for the distribution of the study permits in the postsecondary sector.
- Current students who are currently in Canada are not affected by the announcement. This cap only applies to new applications.
- The announcement does not affect current holders of study permits. It also does not affect study permit extensions.
We’ve started a list of frequently asked questions based on whether you are a current student, applicant or prospective student (see below). Please continue to visit this webpage as we will add more information as it becomes available.
At Georgian, we care deeply about providing all students with an unrivaled, positive experience during their studies. International students are valued contributors to our classrooms, communities and economy and we recognize our institutional responsibility in welcoming and supporting you. We’re doing everything we can to address this situation and to assist you in any way we can.
Sincerely,
Kevin
FAQs: current Georgian international students
International students who submitted their study permit application before Nov. 1, 2024, will have to meet current PGWP eligibility. This ensures that students who entered Canada with the expectation of post-study work opportunities can still apply for the PGWP upon graduation.
We want to reassure you that international students currently in Canada, with the expectation of post-study work opportunities, can still apply for the PGWP upon graduation.
As part of changes to the PGWP Program, all applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 for will be required for any college graduates applying for a post-graduation work permit on or after Nov. 1, 2024. For further details on the language requirements check the IRCC website.
In the policy announcement on Sept. 18, 2024 (read the full announcement here), the Government of Canada has stated that all PGWP applicants will be required to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 will be required for college graduates applying for a post-graduation work permit on or after Nov. 1, 2024.
Please note that your test results must be less than two years old when you submit your application. For further details on the language requirements check the IRCC website.
Students who hold a valid study permit are not impacted and these measures do not affect your ability to progress and complete your program.
Students who hold a valid study permit and have applied for a second program and plan to register in a future term, are not impacted by the international student cap as you are expected to apply for a study permit extension before your current permit expires.
Starting in early 2025, if you’re applying to start a new/second program beginning in the summer semester or beyond and you have an expired study permit or require a study permit extension, you’ll need a PAL. When a PAL is required, it will be accessible through your application portal.
Resources on study permit extension can be found here: Segal International Centre
For students who are planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon graduation from their second program, it’s necessary to ensure both programs are on the CIP eligible list. If you would like to explore options for a second program that are PGWP-eligible, we’re here to support you. Contact our team at intlrecruit@georgiancollege.ca if you would like to discuss changing programs or withdrawing.
No. At this time, international students already in Canada and those applying for a study permit extension are exempt from the PAL requirement.
Starting in early 2025, if you’re applying to start a new/second program beginning in the summer semester or beyond and you have an expired study permit or require a study permit extension, you’ll need a PAL. When a PAL is required, it will be accessible through your application portal.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its communication channels related to pathways to permanent residency for international students. IRCC is now offering you access to a recorded video via their private YouTube channel. Access the recording here.
Using the link above, you can also register for Q&A sessions that are being hosted by IRCC staff to answer any additional questions you may have. The IRCC will be providing multiple sessions throughout the semester so you can attend at your convenience.
Please note that Georgian’s Student Immigration Advisors can provide advice related to Study Permits, Temporary Resident Visas, and how Study Permits relate to other currently available Canadian immigration programs. They cannot advise on pathways to permanent residency.
For personalized advice related to permanent residency questions, you can seek legal immigration advice from an independent immigration consultant or immigration lawyer. Explore this list of representatives who can provide immigration support.
FAQs: international prospective students
Please contact our International Recruitment team to inquire about open programs, via our international contact form.
Georgian College is a public Ontario college. Our designated learning institution number is O19395677361
No.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) stream closed on Nov. 8, 2024. Study permit applications after this date will be processed under the regular stream and are subject to the same requirements and processing times. For more information, please refer to the IRCC website.
Yes, you can apply to Georgian, and you’ll need to apply for a new study permit. As of Nov. 8, 2024, IRCC has announced that you must be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) named on your study permit. This means you can no longer change DLIs through your online account. To change DLIs, you need to apply for a new study permit. Visit the IRCC website for more details.
If you’ve been accepted to Georgian College, but your current study permit lists a different DLI, you must apply for a new study permit listing Georgian College as your DLI. You will not be able to register or begin studies at Georgian College until your new study permit has been issued. If you’re in a co-op program, you must also apply for a new co-op work permit.
Students who are transferring to Georgian from another DLI for the winter 2025 or summer 2025 semesters are eligible to start studying while the new study permit application is being processed, provided they meet the following criteria:
- Have an offer to Georgian for winter 2025 or summer 2025.
- Applied for a new study permit.
- Hold a valid study permit that does not have a different DLI name printed on it.
- Meet all conditions of your existing study permit.
FAQs: international applicants to Georgian
This answer was updated on May 15, 2024.
A provincial attestation letter (PAL) is a document issued by the province of Ontario that must be included with your study permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The PAL confirms that you have a space to study in Ontario. It will include your full name, Georgian ID, date of birth and address.
For new students applying to Georgian College
We encourage you to take the following steps to secure your seat at Georgian and apply for your study permit:
- Once accepted to Georgian, confirm your offer of admission.
- Pay your deposit by the due date on your Pre-Admission Invoice.
- Prepare all other documents required for your study permit application.
- Georgian will request a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for you from the Ontario government.
- Once Georgian receives your approved PAL from the Ontario government, we’ll upload it to your IAS application and notify you via email.
- Submit your study permit application and include your Letter of Acceptance (LOA), PAL and payment receipt, along with all other documents required for the application. Learn more about how to apply for a study permit.
Each student will only be given one provincial attestation letter, and once it is issued it cannot be changed or reissued. The information provided on your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is the same information that will be included on your PAL. Please ensure you have verified your personal details on your LOA, including your full name, date of birth, address and Georgian College program and student number.
If any information on your LOA needs to be updated, please contact the International Admissions team at reginternational@georgiancollege.ca promptly to request a revised LOA before we request a PAL on your behalf.
Once you have confirmed your offer of acceptance, and Georgian College has received the minimum deposit payment, we will request a Provincial Attestation Letter from the Ontario government. Once the letter is received, the PAL will be uploaded to your IAS application, where you can retrieve it. Students will be notified their PAL is available via email within five days of receipt of the deposit payment.
If your deposit has been paid to Georgian College, and you have not received a PAL after five business days, please contact us at reginternational@georgiancollege.ca.
We recommend you submit your study permit application as soon as possible.
The government announced that graduates from programs at public colleges will remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to three years if they graduate from a field of study linked to occupations currently facing long-term labour shortages.
A list of occupations and corresponding Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes was published on the IRCC website. The list of Georgian programs that are eligible for a PGWP can be found at the top of the page.
If you are unable to apply for your study permit before Nov. 1, 2024, and intend to apply for a PGWP after your studies, we are here to support you. Your chosen program must meet the new field of study requirements for PGWP eligibility. Our International Recruitment team is available to help review your program choices with you to ensure they align. Contact us at intlrecruit@georgiancollege.ca.
If your program is on Georgian College’s list above, it’s PGWP-eligible. All programs currently posted have been mapped and deemed accurate for Georgian and accepted by the Ministry. Only the programs on the list above are PGWP-eligible at this time.
A Georgian program is mapped with a CIP code when the program’s core learning objectives (curriculum) and outcomes/ intended career path are aligned with the Ministry’s classification requirements. It’s more than just matching the Georgian program’s name with the Ministry’s program name.
If you applied for your study permit before Nov. 1, 2024, you will be eligible to apply for a PGWP regardless of your field of study.
If you were unable to apply for your study permit before Nov. 1, 2024, and plan to apply for a PGWP after your studies, your program must meet the new field of study requirements to qualify. Our International Recruitment team is here to help you review your program options to ensure they align with these requirements. Contact us at intlrecruit@georgiancollege.ca.
If you’re unable to apply for your study permit before Nov. 1, 2024, and intend to apply for a PGWP after your studies, we’re here to support you.
Our International Recruitment team is available to help review your program choices and can recommend other available CIP eligible programs.
Should you choose to withdraw your application to Georgian because your program is not on the CIP eligible list, you’ll receive a full refund of any tuition fees paid. A withdrawal form must be submitted. Select the reason for withdrawal as “Other” and list in the comments section that your program is not on the CIP list.
International applicants who receive a visa refusal are eligible for refund per normal policy. The regular process and deadlines apply for requests to withdraw with refund based on study permit refusal.
If you’re unable to apply for your study permit before Nov. 1, 2024, and intend to apply for a PGWP after your studies, we are here to support you. Your chosen program must meet the new field of study requirements for PGWP eligibility. Our International Recruitment team is available to help review your program choices with you to ensure they align; please consult your in-country representative for assistance.
IRCC has announced there are more changes coming to work permit eligibility for spouses. Your spouse may still apply for their own, separate temporary residence visa. Learn more on the IRCC website.
Georgian College continues to work with the province to understand the implications of the government’s announcement on Jan. 26, 2024 requiring all colleges and universities to have a guarantee that housing options are available for incoming international students. We will share more information as soon as we can. Until then, we encourage all students to review the many housing supports we already offer for on and off-campus housing. Please visit our housing webpages and connect with one of our housing services outreach co-ordinators, supporting all campus locations, if you have any questions.
As an international applicant, including refugee claimants, you are required by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to obtain a study permit prior to registering in education or training courses that last more than six months in duration.
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for your application for study permit/ visa. To request a PAL, please contact admissions@georgiancollege.ca.
As of Nov. 8, 2024, IRCC has announced that you must be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) named on your study permit. This means you can no longer change DLIs through your online account. To change DLIs, you need to apply for a new study permit. Visit the IRCC website for more details.
IRCC has introduced a grace period for students affected by the timing of this new regulation. If you’re planning to attend Georgian College, you may be eligible to register and start your studies during this grace period while your study permit application is being processed, provided you meet all the following criteria:
- Have an offer to Georgian for winter 2025 or summer 2025.
- Applied for a new study permit.
- Hold a valid study permit that does not have a different DLI name printed on it.
- Meet all conditions of your existing study permit.
If you’ve been accepted to Georgian College, but your current study permit lists a different DLI, you must apply for a new study permit listing Georgian College as your DLI. You will not be able to register or begin studies at Georgian College until your new study permit has been issued. If you’re in a co-op program, you must also apply for a new co-op work permit.