International students are a welcome and vital part of the Selkirk College community. As the region’s public post-secondary institution, the college is fortunate that learners from across the world choose to pursue their educational goals in this incredible region of Canada. International students contribute to a more enriching and diverse campus community, ensuring all graduates are better prepared to engage in an increasingly interconnected world. The college is proud of all alumni, whether they stay here in Canada or take what they’ve learned back to their home country.
On January 22, the Government of Canada announced a national cap on international student study permit applications for the next two years. There will also be some changes to work permits for students and spouses, and to post-graduate work permits. The college is currently working with the Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills (PSFS) on a framework that will determine how to best allocate the seats that this province will get from Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In response to the announcement, Minister of PSFS Selina Robinson told media that the focus is on “bad actors” who are taking advantage of students, and the issue is not with public post-secondaries in terms of the product they are delivering and the supports they provide learners.
“We have known about the issues facing international students for some time and we are actively working with the federal government on solving them, and making sure that international students receive the quality education they were promised,” Minister Robinson said in a statement. “International education is a valuable tool to help ensure BC attracts the talent we need for a productive and innovative economy.”
On January 29, Minister Robinson released the first step of the plan aimed at strengthening quality standards for international education.
Selkirk College has programs in a variety of career pathways that ensure international students gain in-demand skills and education required to strengthen our region. Students who graduate are essential to our health care, hospitality, tourism and human services sectors. Our high-quality public post-secondary education system will continue to serve both learners and the community.
It is important to note that all current international students and those who have received their study permit prior to January 22, 2024, are not impacted by this announcement. The action taken by the federal government is focused on changes to the system over the next two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this announcement impact current international students?
International students currently enrolled at Selkirk College are not affected by this announcement. Neither are those currently in their home countries and who already have study permits.
International students who have applied for spring and fall 2024 sessions, but have not yet received their study permit, will be impacted by this announcement. Students who did not apply for a study permit prior to January 22, 2024 (8 am EST) will be subject to the new requirements, including providing a provincial attestation letter along with the study permit application. Get more information on the pending attestation process.
What will the process of applying for an attestation letter be?
This is information is not yet available. Provinces have until March 31, 2024, to determine the process.
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. Find more information on the IRCC website.
Could you provide information about the changes to the post-graduate work permit (PGWP)?
The new announcement does not impact public institutions such as Selkirk College in this regard. Students attending public colleges can still apply for the PGWP. However, the changes do affect private institutions and public-private partnerships, where students will no longer be able to apply. Selkirk College students do not fall under this change.
How does this announcement impact the spouses of current students?
The IRCC has said that in the coming weeks, open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs. The spouses of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible. The impact on spouses of PGWP holders remains uncertain and requires further clarification from the IRCC.
Those spouses of students who are already studying here, and hold work permits, are not affected.
What support is available for students affected by this announcement?
The well-being and success of Selkirk College students remain our top priority. Students are encouraged to connect with our International Team or Counselling Services.