Canada has introduced a significant update for international students, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revising its public guidance on study permits and Post‑Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
The new instructions provide clearer compliance requirements that students must follow throughout their academic journey.
IRCC said that the revisions are not new policies but expanded explanations of existing rules. However, the changes carry major implications for how students manage their studies, institutional transfers, work authorization, and future immigration plans. Missing even a single requirement could now affect applications for temporary or permanent residence.
Institution transfers require new permits
IRCC has clarified that students whose study permits list a specific Designated Learning Institution (DLI) must obtain a new permit before transferring to another institution.
Recent reforms have included:
- Study permit caps
- Stronger fraud prevention
- PGWP eligibility changes
- Higher financial requirements
- Increased compliance monitoring
Enrolling elsewhere without authorisation will be considered studying illegally. Programme changes within the same institution are generally allowed, unless specific permit conditions apply.
Students moving from secondary to post‑secondary education must also secure a new permit naming the new institution.
Leave from studies under scrutiny
Authorized leaves of up to 150 days remain permitted, but immigration officers will now examine repeated breaks more carefully.
According to IRCC, studies are considered complete on the date your DLI first issues one of the following:
- Completion letter
- Final transcript
- Degree
- Diploma
Multiple leaves that delay academic progress could raise questions about whether a student is actively pursuing studies as required.
Work restrictions during leave
The guidance reiterates that students on authorized leave cannot work on or off campus unless they are enrolled full‑time.
Unauthorised employment could lead to:
- Non-compliance findings
- Future permit refusals
- Enforcement action
- Negative impacts on permanent residence applications
Temporary study policy ends
A pandemic‑era policy that allowed certain work permit holders to study without a separate study permit expired on June 27, 2026. All foreign workers wishing to study must now meet regular study permit requirements unless exempted.
PGWP eligibility clarified
IRCC has also updated its PGWP guidance, confirming that students completing non‑credit programmes are generally ineligible, except in limited cases such as certain flight school programmes.
The clarification has drawn attention because it directly affects how applicants assess programme choices before enrollment.
Compliance focus intensifies
Experts say the latest guidance reflects Canada’s broader immigration strategy to balance economic growth with sustainable immigration levels.
The updates make it easier for officers to identify non‑compliance in areas such as academic progression, permit validity, and institutional transfers.
Canada remains one of the world’s top destinations for international education, but immigration compliance expectations are evolving.
Students who stay informed, maintain compliance, and understand how study permit conditions affect future opportunities will be better positioned to transition successfully to permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does a Canadian study permit expire?
A Canadian study permit typically expires 90 days after your programme is officially completed, even if the printed expiry date is later.
2. Can I transfer to another college without a new study permit?
In most cases, no. Students moving to another Designated Learning Institution must first obtain a new study permit.
3. Can I work while on an authorized leave?
Generally, not. Students on authorized leave are typically not allowed to work either on or off campus.
4. Can work permit holders study without a study permit?
No. The temporary public policy that allowed certain work permit holders to study without a study permit expired on June 27, 2026.
5. Are non‑credit programmes eligible for a Post‑Graduation Work Permit?
No. IRCC confirms that non‑credit programmes are generally not eligible for a PGWP, except for limited cases such as certain flight school programmes.
