01-05-2025
Canada: Changing schools? International students must get new study permit
International students in
Canada
must apply for a new study permit before transferring to a different school, beginning May 1, 2025. This policy marks a shift from earlier rules, where students could change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) by simply updating their records through
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
(IRCC), as per a report by CIC News.
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The new rule was first introduced on November 8, 2024, and interim measures were allowed until April 30, 2025. Under the new system, students must wait for a decision on their study permit extension application before beginning studies at a new DLI. Failure to comply may result in violations of study permit conditions.
The IRCC has outlined specific scenarios where students are now required to apply for a new permit. These include changing DLIs at the post-secondary level or transferring from secondary to post-secondary institutions. However, students changing programs within the same DLI or moving within primary and secondary levels generally do not require a new permit—unless their current permit contains restrictions.
According to the CIC News report, some exceptions still apply. Students facing unexpected circumstances—such as school closure, program cancellation, or the DLI losing its approved status—may begin their studies at a new DLI while their permit extension is being processed, provided they remain in Canada and continue meeting the terms of their original permit.
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The study permit extension process involves applying through the IRCC website. Students must submit Form IMM 5709, copies of their passport and current study permit, proof of acceptance at the new DLI, evidence of financial support, and academic transcripts. A valid Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL) and a letter explaining the reason for the transfer must also be included.
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As per the IRCC regulations, students must apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before their current permit expires. If studies finish early, the permit will expire either on the printed expiry date or 90 days after program completion—whichever comes first. If studies continue beyond the permit's original expiry, a timely extension request is required.
Permits can only be extended within the validity period of the applicant's passport. Students are advised to ensure their passports do not expire around the same time they intend to file for an extension. While awaiting IRCC's decision, students who submit their extension request before the expiry of their current permit may continue their studies under existing conditions. However, they must remain in Canada during this period.
The updated rules are part of ongoing efforts by Canadian immigration authorities to tighten oversight of the international student program and improve compliance with study permit conditions.
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