Updated: October 31, 2024
The Government of Canada has announced a temporary two-year cap on foreign enrolment, leading to a decrease in approved study permits for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years.
The Changes
Under this new measure, 437,000 study permits will be approved for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year across Canada — a 10 per cent further reduction from 2024-2025. The permit intake cap for 2025-2026 will also include master's and doctoral students who are anticipated to comprise 12% of the total permits issued. All international students applying for a permit must provide an attestation letter from the province. The government also made changes to the post-graduate work permit (PGWP) program.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the cap on January 22, 2024 and provided further information about the 2025-2026 reforms on September 18, 2024.
Our Commitment
At George Brown College, we are proud to have a vibrant learning community for all students, and our international students are a special part of this community. We are committed to supporting all our students and ensuring their success
"I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all our students, including our international students, here at George Brown College. Your presence enriches our community in countless ways, and we are truly grateful for the diverse perspectives and talents you bring," said George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon. "Your academic and career achievements are a vital part of our college's success, and we are committed to fostering an environment where you can thrive and feel supported."
We are here for our student community every step of the way, with supports and services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ last updated: November 15, 2024
New students and applicants
I’m a new student starting at GBC in an upcoming semester, what does this policy change mean for me?
It depends on when you applied for your study permit, specifically if you submitted your application for study permit before or on/after November 1, 2024. Applicants who submitted their study permit application before November 1, 2024 are not impacted by this change. This means your program will be eligible for a PGWP. Applicants who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024 will be impacted by these policy changes. If the program you have applied to is PGWP eligible, you will be eligible for a PGWP upon graduation.
Find here the list of George Brown PGWP eligible programs. If the program you have applied to is not PGWP eligible (i.e. not on the list), then you will not be eligible for PGWP upon graduation. If you wish to discuss your program options, please contact a member of our Global Education team.
Who can I contact if I have any questions about my program and/or applying to GBC?
For questions around selecting a new program or changing programs, please visit the International Contact page and connect with a member of the global team by selecting Future Students.
I heard that some programs may no longer be eligible for a PGWP, what does this mean?
For those who submit their study permit application on or after November 1 and are attending college, which George Brown is, there is now a “field of study requirement” for PGWP eligibility that is linked to Canadian labour market shortages. Find here the list of George Brown PGWP eligible programs. For more information on the IRCC field of study requirements, please visit their IRCC website.
Which GBC programs will continue to be PGWP eligible for those who applied for a study permit on/after November 1, 2024?
Find here the list of George Brown PGWP eligible programs.
I applied for my study permit after November 1, and my program is no longer eligible for a PGWP, can I change programs to another eligible program that aligns with my academic and career goals?
You may switch to another open program for the same intake, pending review of your application to ensure you meet the admission requirements of the new program. To initiate this process, you should submit the Withdrawal form and indicate that you would like to switch programs. An admissions team member will follow up to confirm the next steps. To discuss other programs options available to you, please visit the International Contact page and connect with a member of the global team by selecting Future Students.
I applied for my study permit after November 1, and my program is no longer eligible for a PGWP. I would like to apply for a withdrawal and refund. What are my next steps?
Applicants who are impacted by these changes and wish to withdraw may do so and will receive a full refund (minus administrative/ withdrawal fee). To initiate this process, you should complete the withdrawal form. To further discuss your options please visit the International Contact page and connect with a member of the global team by selecting Future Students.
Has Early Childhood Education been added to the PGWP eligible programs?
IRCC has stated that they are taking steps to include PGWP-eligible fields of study related to early childhood educators and assistants. However, it has not yet been added to the official PGWP-eligible list. You can review George Brown’s PGWP-eligible programs here. Please continue to check the IRCC website for most up to date information.
I’m changing from another post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to GBC, what does this mean for my study permit?
There are two possible scenarios:
- Applicants who were accepted to a new DLI for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester:
You can start studying at your new DLI if you:
- have been accepted to a DLI for the Winter/Spring 2025 semester, and
- have applied for a study permit extension, and
- have a study permit that remains valid and that doesn’t have the DLI name printed on it, and
- meet all your existing study permit conditions
If you meet these criteria, you can attend the new DLI you wanted to transfer to while your study permit extension is being processed.
- Applicants who are accepted for Fall 2025 semester and beyond, or applicants for Winter or Spring 2025 who do not meet the criteria above:
Applicants are required to have a new study permit naming GBC to begin studying. This means you can no longer change DLIs by letting IRCC know through your online account. To change DLIs, you need to get a new study permit by applying to extend your current one. For more information, please refer to IRCC regarding changing your school or program.
In both scenarios, please refer to the IRCC website for more information. You can also verify your eligibility by calling the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.
When applying for a study permit extension to change my DLI, do I need a PAL?
It is our understanding from IRCC that you are currently not required to provide a PAL with your application for a study permit extension from within Canada. However, everyone’s scenario may be different and IRCC can update policies and eligibility at any time. Therefore, please refer to IRCC’s website for the most up to date information on who needs a PAL. Please note at this time, George Brown College is issuing PALs to all students with study permit issued for a DLI other than GBC until further notice.
Current/registered students
Have there been changes to the number of hours an international student can work off-campus? — New*
As of November 8, 2024, international students are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Make sure you meet the other requirements for working while you study.
I’m a current student and have a valid study permit, what impact do the policy changes have on me?
If you submitted your study permit application before November 1, 2024, and are applying for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, you must meet the new requirement as a graduate from a college, which includes George Brown College:
- Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas.
Who can I contact with questions about this new policy and what it means for my PGWP?
Current students can reach out to your International Student Advisor for your program for more information and more in-depth advising. Find out how to connect with an International Student Advisor.
What language tests can I take to meet this new requirement?
| English | French |
|---|---|
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
| |
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
| |
PTE Core: Pearson Test of English
|
I recently took one of the accepted tests, is it still valid?
Your test results must be less than two years old when you submit your application.
How do I know what score I need on these tests?
Can I take my test at the GBC IELTS Test Centre? Is there a discount for current GBC students?
Absolutely! Graduating students may qualify for a $30 discount off the price of the IELTS test (limited quantities available). Interested test takers must contact the GBC’s IELTS Test Centre at ielts@georgebrown.ca, from their GBC email (for validation) for more information. A one-time discount code will be generated and must be used during the application process until January 31, 2025.
Attestation letters
George Brown College is now issuing Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs). Find more information on the Accepted International Students page.
What is an attestation letter?
An attestation letter is a supporting document from the province or territory where the student plans to study that is now a required document for an initial study permit application. 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 website.
Do initial study permit applicants need to provide a provincial attestation letter?
As of 8:30 a.m. ET on January 22, 2024, most new post-secondary international students must provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from a province or territory with their study permit application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return any application received that does not include a PAL, unless otherwise exempt (see below for the applications that need an attestation letter and those that are exempt).
Who needs an attestation letter?
- most post-secondary study permit applicants
- master's degree and doctoral study permit applicants
- anyone else not included in the exception list below
Who doesn't need an attestation letter?
To learn who may be exempt from providing a PAL, please visit canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/provincial-attestation-letter.html.
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. More information can be found on the IRCC website.
What is the process of applying for an attestation letter?
George Brown College is now issuing Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs). Visit the Accepted International Students page for details.
