Studying in Canada is a dream for many international students. The quality of education, multicultural environment, and opportunities for growth make Canada a popular choice. However, transferring between schools as an international student can seem overwhelming. The good news? Recent updates to Canadian immigration policies have made the process simpler and more transparent. Let’s break down everything you need to know about transferring schools as an international student in Canada under the new rules.

Key Changes for Transferring Schools

The Canadian government has introduced new measures that allow international students to transfer between Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) without facing long waiting periods. These changes aim to provide flexibility, especially for those who need to make adjustments in their academic journey.

What Are Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)?

A DLI is an educational institution approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. If a school is not a DLI, you won’t be able to attend on a study permit.

Transfer Guidelines Under the New Rules

Under the new rules, international students can now transfer between DLIs more easily. Here’s what has changed:

1. No Need for Study Permit Changes: Previously, students had to wait until their new study permit application was approved before transferring schools. The new rules allow students to start at the new institution while the permit transfer is processed.
2. Immediate Enrollment: Students can transfer to a new school and begin classes right away without waiting for paperwork to be fully processed.
3. Reduced Application Processing Time: The updated rules ensure that transfer applications are processed swiftly, giving students more freedom to manage their academic timelines.

Steps to Transfer Schools

If you’re considering transferring schools as an international student, here’s a simplified guide:

1. Choose a New Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Research and select a school that meets your academic needs.
2. Obtain an Offer Letter: Your new school will provide an offer letter confirming your admission.
3. Notify Your Current Institution: Inform your current school about your transfer.
4. Apply for a Transfer: Submit your transfer application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
5. Start Classes at the New Institution: After approval, you can begin classes at your new school.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I transfer schools while my study permit is still valid?
   Yes, you can transfer schools without needing to wait for a new study permit.
2. Do I need to inform my current school?
   Yes, it is important to notify your current school about your intention to transfer.
3. How long will it take for my transfer to be approved?
   The new rules aim to process transfer applications quickly, typically within a few weeks.
4. What if my transfer application is denied?
   You will be notified of the reason for denial and will have the option to appeal or provide additional documentation.
5. Is there a limit on how many times I can transfer schools?
   There is no strict limit on the number of times you can transfer, but transfers should be for valid academic or personal reasons.

Related Information

If you want more detailed information on the current transfer measures, you can visit CanadaWale’s detailed guide on IRCC DLI transfer measures.

Conclusion

The new rules for transferring schools as an international student in Canada make it easier and faster to change your educational path. Whether it’s due to a better academic fit or unforeseen circumstances, these updates ensure that international students can smoothly transition between schools without unnecessary delays. Be sure to check with your institution and the Canadian immigration authorities to ensure all steps are followed correctly.

Source

For more details on these new rules, refer to CIC News.

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.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) plans to end the practice of flagpoling. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this change on December 17, 2024.

Flagpoling involves temporary residents leaving Canada and immediately re-entering to receive same-day immigration services at a port of entry. This method allowed applicants to bypass regular online application wait times for work or study permits.

Minister Miller stated that eliminating flagpoling will reduce pressure on border services, enabling officials to focus on other priorities. He emphasized that closing this loophole strengthens the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. While no specific implementation date was provided, Miller indicated that IRCC aims to enforce this change as soon as possible.

Earlier this year, Canadian and U.S. border authorities limited flagpoling by reducing service hours at 12 border crossings. In June 2024, IRCC ended flagpoling services for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applicants, who previously comprised about 20% of all flagpolers.

Throughout 2024, IRCC has faced a significant backlog of applications, with many applicants experiencing extended processing times. The department defines a backlogged application as one exceeding its published service standards, aiming to process 80% of applications within these timeframes.

FAQs

What is flagpoling?

Flagpoling is when temporary residents leave Canada and immediately re-enter to receive same-day immigration services at a port of entry, bypassing regular online application wait times.

Why is IRCC ending flagpoling?

IRCC aims to reduce pressure on border services and strengthen the integrity of the immigration system by eliminating flagpoling.

When will the change take effect?

The exact implementation date is unspecified, but IRCC plans to enforce the change as soon as possible.

How will this affect temporary residents?

Temporary residents will need to apply online to extend their stay, as same-day border services through flagpoling will no longer be available.

What alternatives are available for urgent applications?

Applicants should consult IRCC’s official guidelines for expedited processing options or seek advice from authorized immigration representatives.