New Guidelines for International Students Transferring Schools in Canada
January 16,2025 Amritpal Kaur
If you're an international student planning to transfer schools in Canada in 2025, new rules from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) could affect your study permit and future work opportunities. Here’s a quick guide to understanding these changes and what you need to do.
Do You Need a New Study Permit?
Whether you need a new study permit when transferring depends on your situation. Here's a summary of scenarios:
Post-secondary school transfer between DLIs: You need to apply for a new study permit by extending your current permit.
Switching between programs at the same school (DLI): You don’t need a new study permit as long as your student status remains the same.
Moving from secondary to post-secondary school: You need to apply for a new study permit extension.
Changing schools at primary or secondary levels: You can continue studying on your current study permit, as long as it’s valid.
Transfers in Quebec: You need a new study permit and also a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Special Measures for Transfers Between January and May 2025
For students transferring schools between January and May 2025, there are special rules allowing students to start their studies at the new school while their study permit extension is being processed, as long as they meet certain conditions.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility
If you plan to work in Canada after graduation, the PGWP is a significant consideration. However, the rules for PGWP eligibility have changed. If you applied for your study permit before November 2024, you don’t need to meet field of study requirements for a PGWP. But if you applied after November 2024, you must meet specific field of study criteria to be eligible for a PGWP.
Application Process for Study Permit Extension
To extend your study permit and transfer schools, you’ll need to:
Gather necessary documents (like a new Letter of Acceptance from the new school).
Submit forms and documentation online.
Pay the required fees.
Fees
The fees for applying for a study permit extension are as follows:
Study permit extension: $150
Restoring student status (if your study permit expired): $389.75
Biometrics fee (if required): $85 per person
PGWP Overview
The PGWP is a work permit for international graduates that lets them work in Canada after completing a program at a DLI. The length of the PGWP depends on the duration of the study program and provides flexibility to work anywhere in Canada without needing a job offer. This work experience can be crucial for future immigration applications.
Consequences of Not Following Rules
It’s crucial to inform IRCC about any school transfer. Failing to report your change in schools can invalidate your study permit and could lead to serious consequences, such as being asked to leave Canada.
In short, the new rules are designed to regulate school transfers for international students in Canada, ensuring that the students maintain valid permits while also considering their future eligibility for work permits and immigration.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure how these changes affect your study permit or immigration status, we’re here to assist you. Whether you're an international student, employer, or foreign worker, our team provides expert advice and support through every step of the process.
Contact us today for guidance:
Call: 647-222-6795
Email: info@zandbimmigration.ca | amritpal@zandbimmigration.ca
Book an Appointment: www.zandbimmigration.ca
We’re here to support you every step of the way through your school transfer and immigration journey in Canada!