Starting today, international students in Canada must reapply for their study permits!

As of May 1, 2025, international students in Canada must apply for a new study permit (study permit) before transferring to a new school. This policy marks a significant change in Canadian immigration regulations.

According to CIC News, previously, students could complete the transfer by simply updating the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) record on the IRCC website.

This new rule was first announced on November 8, 2024, and allowed for a temporary transitional measure to be in effect until April 30, 2025.

Starting in May, students must wait for their application for an extension of the study permit to be approved before they can begin classes at the new school. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in a violation of the conditions of the study permit.

According to Canadian immigration laws, the consequences of violating the conditions of a study permit may include:

· Revocation of the study permit

· Being required to stop studying

In severe cases, it may affect future visa applications, and in extreme cases, an order of deportation (removal order) may be issued.

IRCC clearly states that the following situations require the application for a new study permit:

· Changing post-secondary institutions (i.e., changing DLI)

· Transferring from high school to post-secondary education

However, if a student is merely switching programs within the same DLI, or transferring schools internally within elementary or secondary education, generally they do not need to reapply for a visa unless there are specific restrictions in their current study permit.

In some emergency situations, such as the original school closing, the cancellation of the program, or the original school losing its DLI status, students can still attend a new school in Canada based on their original study permit, provided they have submitted an extension application and remain in Canada.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830952727346188/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.