Loyalist College offers international students the ideal combination of academic excellence, extra-curricular activities and experiences. Our diverse community includes international students from an ever-growing number of countries around the world. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, or in scenic Port Hope, Loyalist is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist is a destination for students seeking a friendly, inclusive and accessible College. Our number one priority is supporting your success personally and professionally.
On January 22, 2024 significant adjustments were made to Canada’s international student program by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) which includes:
- A cap on study permit approvals for 2024.
- The introduction of a Provincial Attestation Letter policy for international students applying for their study permit.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility for public private partnership college programs.
- Changes to Open Work Permit eligibility for spouses of international students.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) update for graduates of master’s degree programs
Please review our FAQ section below:
The new study permit cap and attestation letter process were in effect immediately and the announcement indicated that only 360,000 study permit applications will be approved throughout the year. The process and requirements for the attestation letter process and provinces and territories have until March 31, 2024, to finalize this process.
The revised policies extend to all individuals who did not submit their study permit application before January 22, 2024. Therefore, even if you have received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), unless you applied for your study permit prior to January 22, 2024, you will be subject to these new regulations.
As per the January 22 announcement, the new international student cap and attestation letter process are temporary measures set to be in effect for the next two years. IRCC has stated that it will review the cap imposed on international students for 2025 by the end of this year.
Open work permits are now solely accessible to spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs. Spouses of international students enrolled in other educational levels, such as undergraduate and college programs, will no longer qualify.
This announcement will not affect PGWP eligibility for student currently studying at Loyalist College in Toronto or starting in May. Students who commence their studies in a public-private partnership after May 15, 2024, will no longer qualify to apply for a post-graduation work permit.
A PAL 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 now in place in Ontario.
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.
No, students applying to extend their study permit are exempt from needing a PAL as long as they apply before their current permit expires.
Loyalist College will request your provincial PAL on your behalf. To be eligible, you must meet the criteria as outlined on your offer of admission and pay your first full first semester tuition payment. Once eligibility is confirmed, Loyalist will request your PAL and upload if to the application portal once received. Please note that this process can take up to five business days.
View the International College Guide
International College Guide
Why study at Loyalist?
- Personal, friendly College, with campuses located east of Toronto
- Small class sizes
- Residence on campus as well as many off-campus housing options
- International student scholarships
- Programs starting in September, January and May
- University transfer agreements (diploma at Loyalist to degree at a partner university)
- Placement opportunities as well as applied learning opportunities
- Fast-track options – finish your diploma faster!
- Opportunities to work on and off campus
University Transfer Agreements
Many universities and colleges will provide credit recognition for your diploma studies at Loyalist. Learn how to start your undergraduate degree studies at Loyalist at ontransfer.ca.
How to Apply
For application details, click here.
For more information, contact:
International Office
internationalrecruiter@loyalistcollege.com
