Published 17 Dec, 2024
Important Update for International Students in Canada: New Study Permit Requirements for School Transfers
Written By
Gift Ujuaku
Recent regulations introduced by the Canadian government stipulate that international students must secure a new study permit prior to transferring schools under specific conditions. This initiative is designed to uphold the integrity of the International Student Program (ISP) and ensure that students follow the appropriate protocols in their educational pursuits. Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, emphasized the importance of institutional support in this endeavor, stating, "We expect institutions to support our efforts to preserve the integrity of the International Student Program," as reported by the immigration office of Canada.
Effective November 8, 2024, students will be required to remain enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) listed on their study permit. Consequently, students can no longer change DLIs merely by notifying the immigration office through their online accounts; they must now apply for a new study permit.
When is a New Study Permit Required?
According to the official guidelines from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), students should consider the following scenarios regarding study permits:
- Transitioning from Primary to Secondary Education: No new study permit is needed if the current permit remains valid.
- Changing DLIs within Primary or Secondary Levels: A new study permit is not required as long as the existing permit is valid.
- Moving from Secondary to Post-Secondary Education: A new study permit must be obtained to enroll in a post-secondary institution. Note that if secondary studies conclude early, the study permit will expire 90 days after completion, regardless of its stated expiration date.
- Switching from Post-Secondary to Secondary Education: A new study permit is necessary if a student wishes to attend secondary school after being enrolled in a post-secondary program.
- Changing Programs within the Same DLI at the Post-Secondary Level: Students may continue their studies under their current study permit.
- Transferring Between Post-Secondary Institutions: A new study permit application is mandatory when changing DLIs at this level.
Steps for Changing Schools as a Post-Secondary Student
Starting November 8, 2024, post-secondary students intending to switch schools must apply for a new study permit. It is crucial that the new institution is also a DLI and not listed on any suspension list. Before proceeding with a school change and submitting a new study permit application, students should verify these details.
Required Documentation
Students will need to provide several documents when applying for a new study permit, including:
- A letter outlining the reasons for the school change
- Documentation proving eligibility for the application
Consequences of Not Informing IRCC
Should a student change schools without notifying IRCC, their previous institution may report them as not registered or enrolled. This could lead to violations of study permit conditions, resulting in invalidation or cancellation of the study permit and potential expulsion from Canada. Furthermore, such actions might hinder future re-entry into Canada.
In addition to these changes, IRCC has increased the off-campus work limit for international students from 20 hours per week to 24 hours per week. This adjustment provides international students with enhanced opportunities to earn income and acquire valuable work experience while maintaining their primary focus on education.
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