Navigating Through The Recent Study Permit Policies To Study in Canada From Pakistan

Studying in Canada is the dream of many Pakistani students. For years students from Pakistan have been travelling to Canada to pursue their dreams by continuing further studies there. According to some statistics, in 2023, around 4,500-5,000 Pakistani students moved to Canada to continue their studies in the prestigious and top ranked institutions of Canada. 

With a visa success rate of 60% for Pakistani students applying to Canada, this was proof of friendly ties between the two countries. But in the previous years there has been a decline in the Canadian visa rates all over the world.The Canadian international education system has seen a 33% decrease in visa approvals (from 468,000 in January-September 2023 to 313,700 in January-September 2024) and a dip in acceptance rates from 66% to 61%. 

During the past few months, there have been many policy changes in Canada regarding international students visa permits. These policies have somewhat affected the dreams of many international students who wanted to pursue their studies in Canadian institutions. 

This may have specially impacted the students in Pakistan who wished to study in Canada from Pakistan but now have to face difficult visa policies, with extremely low approval rate. However, this is not the end of the road. If you as a student are aware of these policies, about when and why they were implemented you can prepare yourself for the challenges and give your dreams a shot!

New Canadian Policies 

The Government of Canada or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is introducing new policies affecting international students and visa applicants. These measures are part of the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, announced on October 24, 2024, by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Some of the main policies include:

Cap on Study Permits

Starting in 2025, Canada will introduce an annual limit on the number of international student study permits issued, with a drop of 10% compared to 2024. This means the number of permits will drop from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 in 2025. 

Attestation Policy

In March 2024, the new visa policy was introduced which requires the students to secure an attestation letter from the provincial administration of the province where their designated learning institution (DLI) is located. This means this attestation letter has become one of the requirements or part of the Canadian study permit application for international sudents

Off-Campus Work Hours

Implemented on November 15, 2024, eligible international students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while their classes are in session. This adjustment balances providing work opportunities with helping students stay focused on their education.

How New Policies will Impact Pakistani Students?

With so many Pakistani students with dreams of studying in Canada, these policies will surely have an impact on their dreams, career choices or even their future in following ways

• Application Process: the attestation letter policy will further complicate the study visa process for Pakistani students, making it more time taking. Additionally, the varying preferences in each province will also impact the chances of students to secure the attestation letter. 

• Increased International Competition: With a set limit on the number of permits, competition may increase internationally, making it more challenging to secure a study permit. It's essential for students from Pakistan to submit complete and timely applications to improve their chances.

• Impact on Pakistani Students: Students from Pakistan, like all international applicants, will need to navigate these new requirements. It's crucial to stay informed and keep yourself alert and educated about the specific processes in the province or territory of interest.

What Can Pakistani Students Do?

For Pakistani students aiming to study in Canada despite the new policies, there are several strategies they can adopt to navigate through these changes and continue pursuing their educational dreams. 

Stay Informed and Plan Early

With the introduction of the cap on study permits, it's crucial for Pakistani students to stay updated on any changes to the process. They should frequently check the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the official websites of Canadian provinces and websites of educational institutions they plan to apply to.

Prepare a Strong Application

Since there will be extreme competition for study permits due to the cap and provincial attestation policy, having a complete and strong application is essential. Pakistani students should ensure all their required documents are complete and accurate. 

Apply for Provinces with High Demand

To improve their chances of obtaining a study permit, Pakistani students should consider applying to provinces with high demand for international students. Since provincial attestation letters will be required for certain regions, it's important to target provinces that have the capacity to support a larger number of international students. 

Be Prepared for Delays

Due to these new policies students may face delays in obtaining their permits. Pakistani students should apply as early as possible and should also keep Plan B ready, i.e they should consider alternative options too

Seek Guidance from Experts

The process can be overwhelming, so Pakistani students should seek as much help as possible. They should consult with authorized immigration consultants who can help navigate the complex policies and ensure all steps are taken correctly or they can also reach out to alumni networks especially an alumni from Pakistan who has studied in Canada as they can offer valuable advice on how to adapt to these new policies.

Don’t Put a Stop to Your Dreams

With new policies implemented by the Canadian government and IRCC, it will become more challenging for students from Pakistan to navigate their way through complex visa policies. With cap on study permits and requirement of provincial attestation letter, the competition has increased further narrowing the chances of visa approval for Pakistani students. However, if they act strategically, prepare themselves for everything in advance and seek help from either professional consultants or experienced alumni, they can fulfill their dreams to study in Canada from Pakistan without putting a hold on it.