Last updated: January 26, 2024
This page was created following an announcement by the Canadian government on Jan. 22, 2024 regarding a cap on international student study permits.
A message from Elizabeth Kidd, President and CEO, College of the North Atlantic
I want to provide you with an update following the federal government’s announcement on Jan. 22 regarding a temporary national cap on study permits for two years. You likely have many questions, and I want to assure you that College of the North Atlantic (CNA) understands your concerns and is committed to advocating on behalf of our valued international student community, as well as providing you with updates as we learn more.
You may wish to read the government’s announcement in full , but to summarize, here are the main points impacting the CNA student population:
- An intake cap on international study permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023 which will be distributed proportionally across the country based on population.
- Starting Sept. 1, 2024, international students who begin a study program as part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon graduation.
There is much we still need to learn about how this affects our college and your education. Here is what we know so far:
- The permit application will be based on each province’s population. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be responsible for the distribution of the study permits in the postsecondary sector.
- Students who are currently in Canada are not affected by the announcement. This cap only applies to new applications.
- The announcement does not affect current holders of study permits. It also does not affect study permit extensions.
We’ve started a list of frequently asked questions based on whether you are a current student, applicant or prospective student (see below). Please revisit this section of our website where we will provide any new information as it becomes available.
At CNA, we care deeply about providing all students with an unrivaled, positive experience during their studies. International students are valued contributors to our classrooms, communities and economy, and we recognize our institutional responsibility in welcoming and supporting you. We’re doing everything we can to address this situation and to assist you in any way we can.
Sincerely,
Liz
FAQS: Current College of the North Atlantic International Students
Does the international student cap affect my enrolment?
Students who hold a valid study permit are not impacted and these measures do not affect your ability to progress and complete your program.
Do the restrictions on postgraduation work permit affect me?
Current students remain eligible to apply for the Post Graduation Work Permit as per standard eligibility requirements.
I’m a current CNA student who is graduating in April 2024 and I have successfully applied for a second CNA program in a subsequent term (fall 2024). How does this impact me?
Students who hold a valid study permit and have applied for a second program and plan to register in a future term, summer or fall 2024, are not impacted as you are expected to apply for a study permit extension before your current permit expires.
FAQS: International Prospective Students
I want to apply to College of the North Atlantic for fall 2024 semester or later. Are you still accepting applications?
Applications are still being considered for summer and fall 2024 intakes. Please contact our International Recruitment team to inquire about open programs via email at
internationaladmissions@cna.nl.ca.
Is College of the North Atlantic a public or private institution?
College of the North Atlantic is a public college, funded and operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Are any of CNA’s programs considered master’s or doctoral level programs?
No.
FAQS: International Applicants to CNA
I’ve already been accepted to CNA for the summer or fall 2024 semesters and received my study permit prior to Jan. 22, 2024. What happens next?
If you have received your study permit and have been accepted to a future intake at CNA, you will continue to register and transition to Canada as planned. If you have received your study permit and have not submitted a copy to CNA, please provide a copy to us as soon as possible.
I have been accepted to CNA for the summer 2024 intake but have not yet applied for my study permit. What should I do?
At this time, all applications for study permits, inclusive of summer 2024 semester, will not be processed until the letter of attestation has been issued. Please continue to check both CNA’s
International Students website and the
IRCC website as this evolves.
I’ve already been accepted to CNA for fall 2024 semester. I have applied for my study permit but have not received it. What happens next?
If you already applied for your study permit prior to 8:30 a.m. EST on Jan. 22, 2024, your study permit application will be reviewed. If you submitted your application after this date and time, your application will be returned. The provincial government has until March 31, 2024 to provide attestations in support of study permit applications.
How can I get an attestation letter for my study permit application?
As of Jan. 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to IRCC will require an attestation letter from the province. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will establish a process for issuing attestation letters by no later than March 31, 2024. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Are new students still eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit?
Graduates of College of the North Atlantic will continue to maintain eligibility for a PGWP.