Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented new regulations for international students who are transferring schools. Depending on your specific situation, you may need to apply for a new study permit to make the transfer. This article provides essential information and steps for international students in Canada who are considering transferring schools in 2025. It covers:
- Guidance for different transfer scenarios
- Special measures for students transferring schools between January and May 2025
- Important Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility factors for students transferring schools
Do I need to apply for a new study permit when changing schools?
Whether you need to apply for a new study permit depends on the type of transfer you’re making. Below is a summary of different scenarios:
| Situation | Required Procedure |
|---|---|
| Changing Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) at the post-secondary level | Apply for a new study permit by requesting an extension of your current permit. |
| Moving between post-secondary programs at the same DLI | Continue studying under your current study permit, as long as you meet all necessary conditions. |
| Moving from secondary to post-secondary levels | Apply for a new study permit by requesting an extension of your current study permit. |
| Moving from post-secondary to secondary levels | Apply for a new study permit by requesting an extension of your study permit. |
| Changing DLIs at the primary or secondary levels | Continue studying under your current study permit, as long as it is valid, unless specific conditions on your permit restrict you. |
| Moving from primary to secondary levels at the same DLI | Continue studying under your current study permit, as long as it is valid, unless specific conditions on your permit restrict you. |
| Changing DLIs in Quebec | In most cases, you will need to apply for a new study permit and submit a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). If transferring between vocational training centers (VTCs), you don’t need a new study permit but will need a new CAQ. |
DLIs are institutions approved to accept international students. Study permits are only issued for enrollment at DLIs.
Note: Secondary students transferring to post-secondary studies will no longer have their study permit valid for 90 days after completing secondary school, even if the permit shows a later expiry date.
What happens if I don’t inform IRCC of my school transfer?
Failing to inform IRCC about your school transfer can have serious consequences, including invalidating or canceling your study permit. IRCC may also require you to leave Canada or change your status, which could affect your ability to stay or return to Canada in the future.
How can I apply for a new study permit via a study permit extension?
If you need to apply for a new study permit via an extension due to your transfer, follow these steps:
- Ensure you have the necessary documents, including a new Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
- Collect additional required documents from the IRCC document checklist (Guide 5552).
- Complete all necessary forms and upload your documents to your online application.
- Pay the required fees.
- Apply online for an extension (unless you qualify for an exception to apply on paper).
- Verify your new DLI’s LOA within the necessary time frame.
Special measures for students transferring schools between January and May 1, 2025
IRCC has introduced temporary measures that allow some students accepted to a new DLI for the Winter or Spring 2025 intake to begin their studies while waiting for the approval of their new study permit. To qualify, you must:
- Be accepted to a new DLI for Winter or Spring 2025 (January 1 to May 1).
- Have already applied for a study permit extension.
- Have a valid study permit (without the name of the new DLI printed on it).
- Continue to meet the conditions of your current study permit.
Important PGWP Considerations for Students Transferring Schools
If you’re transferring schools and applying for a new study permit, you may need to meet additional requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.
Since November 2024, international graduates must meet language and, depending on the program, field of study requirements to qualify for a PGWP.
- For students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, you won’t need to meet field of study requirements but must still meet the language proficiency requirements.
- For students who applied after November 1, 2024, you may need to meet both language and field of study requirements.
PGWP Eligibility for Study Permit Applications Before November 1, 2024:
| Level of Study | Language Requirements | Field of Study Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language abilities | None |
| Other university programs | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language abilities | None |
| College or non-university programs | CLB/NCLC 5 in all four language abilities | None |
PGWP Eligibility for Study Permit Applications After November 1, 2024:
| Level of Study | Language Requirements | Field of Study Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| University bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language abilities | None |
| Other university programs | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language abilities | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study |
| College or non-university programs | CLB/NCLC 5 in all four language abilities | Must have graduated from an eligible field of study |
Fees for School Transfers
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to pay additional fees, such as for restoring your student status or submitting biometrics if required by IRCC:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Study permit (including extensions) – per person | $150 |
| Restore your student status (includes $239.75 for restoration and $150 for new study permit) | $389.75 |
Biometrics Fees:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Biometrics (per person) | $85 |
| Biometrics (per family – 2 or more people) | $170 |
What is a PGWP?
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who graduate from eligible post-secondary programs at DLIs to work in Canada for any employer. The permit’s duration ranges from 8 months to 3 years, depending on the length of the study program. A key benefit of the PGWP is that it provides valuable work experience in Canada, which is important for those planning to apply for Canadian immigration.
