Changing your school or program
Before November 8, 2024
For international students in Canada with a valid study permit:
1. High School to University Transition: Existing study permits can be used.
2. Changing Universities: Update the DLI (Designated Learning Institution) number through your IRCC online account without applying for a new study permit.
After November 8, 2024
1. High School to University Transition: A new study permit application is required.
2. Changing Universities: A new study permit application is required (includes co-op permits).
Exceptions:
1. Transitioning from primary to secondary school or changing schools within these levels.
2. Changing programs or courses at the same DLI.
If DLI Changes During an Ongoing Application:
1. Submit the new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and any required provincial/territorial documents through the IRCC Web Form.
2. IRCC may request proof that you are studying in Canada under valid status.
3. Required documents for a DLI change:
3-1. Statement explaining why the change is needed.
3-2. Evidence meeting the conditions for studying at the new DLI.
Starting Studies While Awaiting New Permit Approval:
1. You continue residing in Canada and have received the new LOA.
2. You meet the conditions of your current study permit.
3. The previous DLI has closed, suspended its program, or lost DLI eligibility.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/change-schools.html
As of November 8, student visa holders can work up to 24 hours per week under the following conditions:
The program must be academic, vocational, or professional training (ESL programs are excluded).
Eligibility Requirements
1. Enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program that is at least six months long.
2. Work is permitted only after your program or classes have started.
3. If eligible for off-campus work, no separate work permit is required.
4. You must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to begin working.
For part-time students, you must meet the conditions above and are eligible only if you are in your final semester and do not require a full-time course load or were a full-time student in all previous semesters of your program.
However, you cannot work off-campus if you are on an authorized leave (up to 150 days), have transferred schools, or are not actively studying.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html
Changes to PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) Eligibility After November 1, 2024
Applications Submitted Before November 1, 2024
PGWP applications received before this date will be assessed under the existing criteria.
Applications Submitted On or After November 1, 2024
PGWP applications received after this date will be assessed under the new eligibility criteria.
For Students Who Applied for Study Permits and Graduated Before November 1, 2024
English Proficiency Test Submission Requirement: Mandatory submission of a recognized language test result (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP).
University Graduates (Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.):
No restrictions on field of study.
Must provide proof of CLB7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) or NCLC7 (French equivalent).
Other Post-Secondary Graduates:
No restrictions on field of study.
Must provide proof of CLB7 or NCLC7.
College Graduates:
No restrictions on field of study.
Must provide proof of CLB5 or NCLC5.
For Students Who Apply for Study Permits and Graduate On or After November 1, 2024
English Proficiency Test Submission Requirement: Mandatory submission of a recognized language test result.
Additional Condition: Field of Study Restrictions for Occupations in Long-Term Shortage
Some eligibility will depend on whether the program of study aligns with fields experiencing long-term labor shortages.
University Graduates (Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.):
Must provide proof of CLB7 or NCLC7.
No restrictions on field of study.
Other Post-Secondary Graduates:
Must provide proof of CLB7 or NCLC7.
Field of study must align with long-term labor shortage areas.
College Graduates:
Must provide proof of CLB5 or NCLC5.
Field of study must align with long-term labor shortage areas.
Fields Considered to Address Long-Term Labor Shortages:
Agriculture and Agri-Food
Healthcare
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Trades
Transportation
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility.html#field-of-study
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact IEK Immigration Consulting Inc. Thank you.
Sincerely,
IEK Immigration Consulting Inc.
Changing your school or program
Before November 8, 2024
For international students in Canada with a valid study permit:
1. High School to University Transition: Existing study permits can be used.
2. Changing Universities: Update the DLI (Designated Learning Institution) number through your IRCC online account without applying for a new study permit.
After November 8, 2024
1. High School to University Transition: A new study permit application is required.
2. Changing Universities: A new study permit application is required (includes co-op permits).
Exceptions:
1. Transitioning from primary to secondary school or changing schools within these levels.
2. Changing programs or courses at the same DLI.
If DLI Changes During an Ongoing Application:
1. Submit the new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and any required provincial/territorial documents through the IRCC Web Form.
2. IRCC may request proof that you are studying in Canada under valid status.
3. Required documents for a DLI change:
3-1. Statement explaining why the change is needed.
3-2. Evidence meeting the conditions for studying at the new DLI.
Starting Studies While Awaiting New Permit Approval:
1. You continue residing in Canada and have received the new LOA.
2. You meet the conditions of your current study permit.
3. The previous DLI has closed, suspended its program, or lost DLI eligibility.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/change-schools.html
As of November 8, student visa holders can work up to 24 hours per week under the following conditions:
The program must be academic, vocational, or professional training (ESL programs are excluded).
Eligibility Requirements
1. Enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program that is at least six months long.
2. Work is permitted only after your program or classes have started.
3. If eligible for off-campus work, no separate work permit is required.
4. You must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to begin working.
For part-time students, you must meet the conditions above and are eligible only if you are in your final semester and do not require a full-time course load or were a full-time student in all previous semesters of your program.
However, you cannot work off-campus if you are on an authorized leave (up to 150 days), have transferred schools, or are not actively studying.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html
Changes to PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) Eligibility After November 1, 2024
Applications Submitted Before November 1, 2024
PGWP applications received before this date will be assessed under the existing criteria.
Applications Submitted On or After November 1, 2024
PGWP applications received after this date will be assessed under the new eligibility criteria.
For Students Who Applied for Study Permits and Graduated Before November 1, 2024
English Proficiency Test Submission Requirement: Mandatory submission of a recognized language test result (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP).
University Graduates (Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.):
No restrictions on field of study.
Must provide proof of CLB7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) or NCLC7 (French equivalent).
Other Post-Secondary Graduates:
No restrictions on field of study.
Must provide proof of CLB7 or NCLC7.
College Graduates:
No restrictions on field of study.
Must provide proof of CLB5 or NCLC5.
For Students Who Apply for Study Permits and Graduate On or After November 1, 2024
English Proficiency Test Submission Requirement: Mandatory submission of a recognized language test result.
Additional Condition: Field of Study Restrictions for Occupations in Long-Term Shortage
Some eligibility will depend on whether the program of study aligns with fields experiencing long-term labor shortages.
University Graduates (Bachelor's, Master's, Ph.D.):
Must provide proof of CLB7 or NCLC7.
No restrictions on field of study.
Other Post-Secondary Graduates:
Must provide proof of CLB7 or NCLC7.
Field of study must align with long-term labor shortage areas.
College Graduates:
Must provide proof of CLB5 or NCLC5.
Field of study must align with long-term labor shortage areas.
Fields Considered to Address Long-Term Labor Shortages:
Agriculture and Agri-Food
Healthcare
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Trades
Transportation
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility.html#field-of-study
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact IEK Immigration Consulting Inc. Thank you.
Sincerely,
IEK Immigration Consulting Inc.