As of November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented new regulations for international students transferring between Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) at the post-secondary level. Previously, students could change DLIs by updating their information through their online accounts. Under the new rules, students are now required to apply for a new study permit by submitting an application to extend their current permit when changing DLIs.
Key Changes:
- International students intending to transfer to a different post-secondary DLI must apply for a new study permit by extending their existing one. This process necessitates submitting a new letter of acceptance from the intended institution.
- For the Winter or Spring 2025 semesters (January 1 to May 1, 2025), students who have applied for a study permit extension and hold a valid study permit without the new DLI’s name printed on it may commence studies at the new institution while their application is being processed, provided they continue to meet all existing study permit conditions.
- It is imperative for students to inform IRCC of any changes in their educational institution. Failure to do so can result in the study permit becoming invalid or canceled, potentially leading to removal from Canada and affecting future immigration opportunities.
- Students transferring to a DLI in Quebec are generally required to obtain an attestation of issuance of a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and submit it with their study permit application. Transfers between vocational training centers within Quebec may not necessitate a new study permit but do require a new CAQ.
Recommendations for International Students
- Verify DLI Status: Ensure that the new institution is a recognized DLI and is not on any suspension list.
- Timely Application: Submit the application for a study permit extension promptly upon receiving a letter of acceptance from the new institution to avoid any disruptions in your studies.
- Adherence to Permit Conditions: Continue to comply with all conditions of your current study permit during the transition to the new institution.
Updated rules for PGWP-eligible college programmes
New rules for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) for college programs in Canada apply to students who submit their study permit application on or after November 1, 2024. These rules include:
- – Language requirements: Students must demonstrate their English or French language skills.
- – Field of study requirements: Students must graduate from an eligible field of study.
- – CLB or NCLC score: Students must score a minimum of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four language areas.
Students who applied for or held a study permit before November 1, 2024, are generally exempt from the new “field of study” requirements. They will still be eligible for a PGWP under the existing rules. However, they must still meet the language proficiency requirements upon applying for their PGWP. This ensures that students already in the system or those who already started the application process are not disadvantaged by the new rules.