Study and Work Permit Updates

Last updated March 28, 2025

 

In recent months, Canada announced changes to the temporary residence programs, which includes study and work permits. We recognize that some announced changes likely have raised concerns for prospective and current students. We are committed to supporting our students during this time. 
 

ProVincial Attestation Letter (PAL)

As of Jan 22, 2025, most graduate students who apply for a study permit will have to include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).

UBC has received sufficient allocation to issue PALs for all newly admitted graduate degree-seeking students. Admitted students will receive their PAL via email within 3 business days  after having accepted their graduate degree admission offer.

Please review these common PAL questions and this detailed guide how to apply for your initial study permit!

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

Full-time UBC international students who graduate from a Master’s or a Doctoral degree program and who meet all of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit for up to three years.

Graduates of master’s degree programs continue to be eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) for 3 years, even if their program of study is longer than 8 months and shorter than 2 years, so long as they meet PGWP eligibility requirements.

Graduate certificates and diplomas are not master's degrees and thus fall under other criteria, including program length (8 months or longer) and field of study requirements.

Spousal Open Work Permits

Spouses and common-law partners of students in master’s programs of 16 months or longer and doctoral degree programs are eligible for a spousal open work permit. Most of the time, the spousal open work permit will be valid for the same period of time as the study permit.

 

We will provide further updates as they become available.

UBC is a government-approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with DLI number O19330231062. 

For the latest updates please review the information published by

UBC's International Student Development