Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new guidelines for international students who plan to transfer schools for the winter or spring 2025 semesters.
Under these updated rules, students changing schools in Canada for the 2025 winter/spring terms can begin their studies at the new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before receiving a new study permit, as long as they meet certain requirements.
To start their studies at a new DLI before the approval of their new study permit, students must:
- Be accepted into the new DLI for the winter/spring 2025 intake;
- Have submitted a study permit extension application to IRCC;
- Hold a valid study permit that does not list the new DLI;
- Continue to comply with the conditions of their current study permit.
*DLIs are educational institutions in Canada authorized by the government to enroll international students.
All of these conditions must be met for students to begin studying at their new DLI before receiving their updated study permit.
Previously, international students were required to obtain a new study permit before transferring to a different DLI. This meant they could no longer change institutions directly through their online account and had to apply for a study permit extension.
Implications of Transferring Schools on PGWP Eligibility
Depending on the timing of their study permit application and their new level of study, students may need to fulfill additional field of study requirements to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Applied for a new study permit before November 1, 2024:
| Level of study | Field of study requirements |
|---|---|
| University bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs | N/A |
| University programs not listed above | N/A |
| College program or non-university program | N/A |
Applied for a new study permit after November 1, 2024: Â
| Level of study | Field of study requirements |
|---|---|
| University bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs | N/A |
| University programs not listed above | Must graduate from an eligible field of study |
| College program or other non-university program | Must graduate from an eligible field of study |
International students applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada must meet new language eligibility criteria to qualify for an open work permit (OWP) after graduation. To prove language proficiency, students must take an IRCC-approved English or French language test.
University program students must demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 (for English) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7 (for French).
College and non-university program students must show language proficiency at a CLB or NCLC level 5.
This new language requirement is essential for international students seeking to work in Canada post-graduation.
Standard procedure for transferring between schools
Students transferring to a new school after the winter/spring semester must meet specific requirements to begin their studies before receiving a new study permit.
To start studying at their new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before their new study permit is issued, students must fulfill all of the following conditions:
- They have remained in Canada since receiving the letter of admission (LOA) from their new DLI.
- They continue to meet the conditions of their previous study permit.
- Their previous DLI has either:
- Closed,
- Discontinued the course or program of study,
- Have you been placed on the suspension list, or
- Lost its designated status before the completion of their previous course or program.
These conditions are essential for students to begin studying at a new DLI without waiting for their updated study permit.
