Canada has taken steps to make life easier for international students who are transferring schools. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new policy for the winter and spring semesters of 2025. This policy allows students to begin their studies at a new institution without having to wait for a new study permit. However, there are some important conditions that students must meet.

You Can Now Start at a New School Before Getting a New Study Permit

Under the updated rules, international students in Canada who want to transfer to a new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can dive right into their studies while waiting for their updated study permit. To take advantage of this, students must:

1. Be accepted into a new DLI for the winter or spring 2025 semester.
2. Have already applied for a new study permit (through an extension application).
3. Hold a valid study permit (even if it doesn’t list the new DLI).
4. Follow all the conditions tied to their current permit.

Before this change, transferring schools meant waiting until a new study permit was approved—no exceptions. Now, as long as you tick all the boxes, you can get started without the delay.

Will This Affect Your PGWP Eligibility?

If you’re aiming for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after finishing your studies, here’s the deal:

• If you apply for a new study permit before November 1, 2024: No extra hoops to jump through. You will stay eligible no matter what type of program you’re in.
• If you apply on or after November 1, 2024: The rules tighten up:
  • Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs: No new restrictions.
  • Other university programs and college/non-university programs: You’ll need to graduate from a program in an eligible field of study.

New Language Rules for PGWP

Language skills are now a big part of getting a PGWP. You’ll need to take an IRCC-approved language test (English or French), and the required scores depend on your type of program:

• University students: Need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English or NCLC level 7 in French.
• College or non-university students: Need a CLB or NCLC level 5.

If you’re unsure about your language skills, now’s the time to start preparing.

Special Cases for Transfers After Winter/Spring

If you’re switching schools after the 2025 winter or spring semester, the conditions change a bit. You can only start at the new school without a new study permit if:

• You’ve stayed in Canada since receiving your acceptance letter from the new DLI.
• You’re still meeting all the conditions of your current study permit.
• Your previous DLI either:
  • Closed.
  • Stopped offering your course/program.
  • Lost its designated status or was placed on suspension.

What Does This Mean for You?

In short, these new rules make it easier to transition between schools without disrupting your studies. But it’s not a free pass—you will need to follow the guidelines carefully to stay on the right side of Canada’s immigration policies. The updated policies are especially good news for students dealing with unexpected school closures or program changes. And for those planning long-term, the changes to PGWP eligibility and language requirements mean you will need to be strategic about your choices.

For those who are thinking about transferring schools in 2025, take advantage of these new rules—but do not forget to plan ahead.