IRCC Announces New Guidelines for International Students Transferring to a Different DLI in Winter or Spring 2025

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new details for international students planning to transfer to another Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for the Winter or Spring 2025 semesters. These changes are aimed at simplifying the process for students needing to change their educational institution, while maintaining the validity of their study permits and eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

New Guidelines for Transferring to a New DLI

International students who plan to transfer to a new DLI in Canada for the Winter or Spring 2025 semesters may now begin their studies at the new institution under certain conditions, even before receiving a new study permit. The requirements for starting studies prior to the issuance of a new study permit are as follows:

• Admission to the new DLI: The student must have an official letter of acceptance for the Winter or Spring 2025 term from the new DLI.

• Application for a new study permit: The student must have submitted an application to IRCC to update their study permit via an extension request.

• Valid current study permit: The student must hold a valid study permit, even if it does not list the new DLI.

• Compliance with current study permit conditions: The student must continue to meet all conditions outlined in their existing study permit.

It is important to note that only Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are authorized to admit international students in Canada. Meeting the above conditions allows students to begin their studies at the new institution without waiting for formal approval of their updated study permit.

Impact on PGWP Eligibility

Changing institutions may affect a student’s eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), depending on the timing of the study permit application and the type of academic program.

• For students who apply for a new study permit before November 1, 2024:

  • University-level programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD): No requirement to stay in the same field of study.

  • Non-university programs (Colleges or other institutions): No requirement to stay in the same field of study.

• For students who apply after November 1, 2024:

  • University-level programs: No requirement to remain in the same field of study.

  • Non-university programs: Students must graduate from a qualifying field of study to remain eligible for the PGWP.

In addition, students applying for a PGWP will now have to meet new language proficiency requirements. International students must take an IRCC-approved language test in either English or French. The required proficiency levels are:

• University-level programs: Students must demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.

• Non-university programs (colleges or others): Students must demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to CLB 5 or NCLC 5.

Standard Transfer Process After Winter/Spring Terms

Students transferring to another institution after the Winter or Spring term must meet the following conditions to begin their studies before receiving an updated study permit:

• The student must remain in Canada after receiving the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new DLI.

• The student must continue to comply with the conditions of their current study permit.

• The previous educational institution must have either:

  • Shut down,

  • Discontinued the student’s program,

  • Been placed on suspension,

  • Or lost its DLI status before the end of the student’s program.

Conclusion

These transitional measures provide greater flexibility for international students who need to change their educational institution, while still requiring compliance with immigration regulations. By following the outlined requirements, students can continue their studies without delay and remain eligible for a PGWP. However, it is essential that students carefully follow all prescribed steps and meet every requirement to avoid any issues with their study permits or PGWP applications.