Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new rules that will change how international students transfer schools in Canada for the Winter and Spring 2025 semesters. These new rules for international students allow them to start their studies at the new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before receiving their new study permit, a huge relief from previous rules. This will make the transfer process much easier and more flexible for students, allowing them to spend more time on education and less time on administrative hurdles.
In this article, we will go into detail concerning these new provisions, eligibility requirements, and what this means to international students in Canada. Read on as we find out how this update could impact you and why it matters for your academic journey.
What Has Changed? New Rules for International Students
Under the new policy of IRCC, there are New Rules for International Students who set newly updated guidelines to those who plan to transfer to another DLI for Winter or Spring 2025 semesters. Students no longer need to wait for their new study permit approval before they could start studying at their new institution, given certain conditions. This change eliminates a key bottleneck in the transfer process and ensures a smoother experience for students.
Previously, students had to get approval for a new study permit listing their new DLI before transferring. Now, students can apply for a permit extension and begin their studies at the new institution while waiting for their application to be processed. However, there are still important conditions to fulfill to qualify for this benefit.
Eligibility Criteria
International students must meet the following requirements to take advantage of these new rules for international students:
- Acceptance from the New DLI
- Students must have received formal acceptance from the new DLI for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester.
- Application for Study Permit Extension
- They have already submitted an application for a new study permit with a permit extension application. This allows the IRCC to know about their intent to transfer.
- Valid Study Permit
- Students must have a valid study permit at the time of transfer. However, the current permit does not have to include the new DLI.
- Compliance with Study Permit Conditions
- All study permit conditions must be complied with by the students, such as being enrolled full-time and achieving academic progress.
What Stays the Same?
Although this new policy provides some flexibility, some aspects remain the same. According to the new rules for international students, one has to update the information on their study permit that indicates the new DLI to which they have transferred, but now it can be updated after the transfer if the application for an extension has been submitted. Non-compliance may lead to a range of problems, and eventually a student’s status may be affected in Canada.
Furthermore, this applies only to students who will transfer school for the Winter or Spring 2025 semesters. The rest will have different requirements that, according to the IRCC, are likely to be detailed soon before summer.
Why This Matters?
This update is a great leap forward for international students and the Canadian education system. New rules for international students offer many advantages, such as increased opportunities and support for those studying in Canada. Some of the benefits are:
- Reduced Delays
- Since there will be no longer a months-long wait time for obtaining a new study permit upon arrival at the new DLI, a student’s smooth transition and readiness to commence classes will improve.
- Simplified Process
- This move has allowed transfer for students to schools based on an extension application for a permit by IRCC. The New Rules for international students set forth by IRCC have managed to make Canada an attractive destination for international students as administrative complexity has reduced.
- Increased Flexibility
- This change recognizes the fluidity of the needs of students, be it for academic growth, availability of programs, or personal reasons and offers greater flexibility in responding to such changes.
If you’re planning to transfer schools for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester, follow these steps to ensure compliance:
- Secure Admission at the New DLI
- Obtain your acceptance letter from the new institution.
- Apply for a Study Permit Extension
- Submit an application for a new study permit or an extension of your current permit, including the details of your new DLI.
- Notify IRCC of Your Intentions
- Update your records with the IRCC so that you can let them know you have new academic plans. Under the New Rules for International Students, while you can begin studying, you must ensure that your new DLI is updated in your permit once it has been processed.
- Maintain Compliance
- Adhere to all study permit conditions, including remaining enrolled as a full-time student and making satisfactory academic progress.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to comply with the updated rules and conditions could result in serious consequences, including:
- Loss of Study Permit Status
- Non-compliance may lead to the cancellation of your study permit.
- Impact on Future Immigration Applications
- Violations can negatively affect future immigration applications, such as work permits or permanent residency.
It is crucial to understand and follow the rules to ensure a smooth academic journey in Canada.
Can international students go to trade school in Canada?
The affirmative is that international students are allowed to enroll in a variety of trade schools in Canada offering exclusive training in various skilled trades such as plumbing, carpentry, automotive repair, and electrical work. Their education usually is hands-on, taking place at institutions like colleges and vocational, with many schools offering similar student permits to trade programs in order to be accessible by international students in Canada, providing a well-rewarding career path.
With the New Rules for International Students, Canada is still on its quest to attract skilled workers, such as trade school graduates, who are highly in demand due to labor shortages in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance sectors. Graduating international students are also eligible for work permits, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which would enable them to gain experience in their trade in Canada.
Can I take a break from school as an international student in Canada?
Yes, you would be exempted to step out as an international student in Canada, but within rules if you are maintained to sustain your student status. Through the new rules for International Students: you have the requirement and obligation to keep enrolled by the designated learning institutions (DLI) pursuing the related program. If you are on authorized leave, including medical, family emergencies, or an approved program-related break through your institution, then ensure that it does not go over 150 days.
In that time, you are expected to inform your school and maintain proper documentation of your reasons for taking the leave. Failure to do so might affect your study permit or your eligibility to work or stay in Canada. It is always best to consult your institution and immigration regulations before taking a break to ensure you remain compliant with Canadian immigration policies.
If you want to know more details about “New Rules for International Students Transferring Schools in Canada for Winter/Spring 2025“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
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