IRCC Introduces New Measures for International Students Changing Schools in 2025

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new measures to assist international students planning to transfer between Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in early 2025. These transitional measures aim to simplify the process and minimize disruptions to students’ academic journeys.

Key Changes for Transferring Students

Starting in the winter and spring semesters of 2025, international students in Canada can commence their studies at a new DLI before receiving a new study permit, provided they meet specific conditions:

• Acceptance at a New DLI: Students must have secured admission to a new DLI for the winter or spring 2025 intake.
• Application for Study Permit Extension: An application to IRCC for a new study permit through a study permit extension must be submitted.
• Valid Current Study Permit: The existing study permit should not list the name of the new DLI.
• Compliance with Study Permit Conditions: Students must continue to adhere to all terms of their current study permit.

Previously, international students were required to obtain approval for a new study permit before transferring to a different DLI. This change allows for a more seamless transition between institutions.

Implications for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility

The timing of the study permit application and the chosen level of study can influence eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

• Applications Submitted Before November 1, 2024:
  • University Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Programs: No additional field of study requirements.
  • Other University Programs: No additional field of study requirements.
  • College or Non-University Programs: No additional field of study requirements.
• Applications Submitted After November 1, 2024:
  • University Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Programs: No additional field of study requirements.
  • Other University Programs: Must graduate from an eligible field of study.
  • College or Non-University Programs: Must graduate from an eligible field of study.

Additionally, all international students applying for a PGWP must meet new language eligibility criteria. This includes demonstrating language proficiency through an IRCC-approved language test in English or French. University program students need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7, while college or non-university program students require a CLB level 5.

Standard Process for Future Transfers

For students planning to transfer DLIs after the winter or spring 2025 semesters, different conditions will apply:

• Residency in Canada: Students must have remained in Canada since receiving a letter of admission from the new DLI.
• Compliance with Previous Study Permit Conditions: Ongoing adherence to the terms of the previous study permit is required.
• Status of Previous DLI: Before completing their prior course or program, the former DLI must have either closed, discontinued the course or program, been placed on the suspension list, or lost its designated status.

These measures are designed to provide flexibility and support to international students during their academic transitions within Canada.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on Canada’s international student program regulations for 2025, you can refer to this resource: Canada International Student Program Regulations 2025.

Additionally, for insights into Canada’s new immigration pathways and eligibility criteria, consider this guide: Canada’s New Immigration Pathways: RCIC & FCIC Eligibility Criteria.

FAQs

What are the new measures for international students changing DLIs in 2025?

IRCC now allows international students to begin studies at a new DLI before receiving a new study permit, provided they meet specific conditions, including acceptance at the new DLI, application for a study permit extension, holding a valid current study permit, and compliance with existing study permit conditions.

How does transferring DLIs affect PGWP eligibility?

PGWP eligibility may be influenced by the timing of the study permit application and the level of study. Applications submitted after November 1, 2024, may require graduation from an eligible field of study, and all applicants must meet new language proficiency criteria.

What conditions must be met to start studying at a new DLI before receiving a new study permit?

Students must have been accepted at the new DLI for the winter/spring 2025 semester, applied for a new study permit via a study permit extension, hold a valid study permit that does not have the new DLI’s name, and continue to meet all existing conditions of their study permit.

What are the language proficiency requirements for PGWP applicants?

University program students must demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7, while college or non-university program students require a CLB level 5, proven through an IRCC-approved language test.

What is the standard process for transferring DLIs after the winter/spring 2025 semester?

Students must have remained in Canada since receiving a letter of admission from the new DLI, continue to meet the conditions of their previous study permit, and their old DLI must have either closed, discontinued the course or program, been placed on the suspension list, or lost its designated status.