International students in Canada must obtain a new study permit to change schools under these conditions

Recently, Canada introduced several regulations for international students studying there. One of these regulations requires international students to apply for and obtain approval for a new study permit before changing their learning institution. This measure aims to strengthen the integrity of the International Student Program (ISP) and ensure that students adhere to proper procedures while pursuing their education.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, said that, “We expect institutions to support our efforts to preserve the integrity of the International Student Program,” reports the immigration office of Canada.

According to the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), starting November 8, 2024, students must be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) listed on their study permit. This means students can no longer change DLIs by simply notifying the immigration office through an online account. To change DLIs, they must apply for a new study permit.

When does a student need to apply for a new study permit?

According to the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), students need to keep the following points in mind:

Moving from primary to secondary levels: Students do not need to apply for a new study permit if their current permit is still valid.

Changing DLIs within primary or secondary levels: No new study permit is required if the existing permit remains valid.

Moving from secondary to post-secondary levels: Students must apply for a new study permit to attend a post-secondary institution. Note that if secondary studies are completed early, the study permit will expire 90 days after the end of studies, regardless of the date on the permit.

Moving from post-secondary to secondary levels: A new study permit is required if a student wishes to attend a secondary school after being enrolled in a post-secondary institution.

Switching programs within the same DLI at the post-secondary level: Students can continue studying with their current study permit.

Changing DLIs at the post-secondary level: Students must apply for a new study permit.

For more information, students can click here!

How to change your school as a post-secondary student?

Starting November 8, 2024, the students need to apply for a new study permit to change their school at the post-secondary level. The school they plan to change to must also be a DLI. Before committing to changing schools and applying for a new study permit, students need to make sure to check that the new school is on the DLI list and is not on the suspension list.

What are the documents needed?

The student would need the following documents:

• A letter explaining why they are changing schools
• Documents that prove that they meet the criteria for applying

What happens if students change their school without informing IRCC?

As per the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, if a student changes their school without informing the authorities, the previous school may report them as not being registered or enrolled to study. If this occurs, the student will be considered in violation of their study permit conditions. Their study permit may become invalid, get canceled, or lead to them being asked to leave the country or change their status. Additionally, this could prevent the student from returning to Canada in the future.

Apart from this, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also increased the off-campus work limit for international students to 24 hours per week from 20 hours per week. The extended work limit offers international students a chance to earn more income and gain valuable work experience without compromising their primary objective of studying.


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