Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently released new regulations that will modify how international students in Canada change institutions for the Winter and Spring 2025 semesters. These new rules for international students enable them to begin studying at the new DLI before they obtain their new study permit, which is 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's New? 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, a student had to seek approval for a new study permit listing their new DLI before transferring. Under the new system, a student can apply for a permit extension and start his or her studies at the new institution while waiting for the application to be processed. However, there are still important conditions to fulfill to qualify for this benefit.
Eligibility Criteria
International students will have to qualify for the new rules for international students as per the following eligibility criteria:
Formal Acceptance from the New DLI
Students must have received formal acceptance from the new DLI for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester.
Application for Extension of Study Permit
They already submitted an application for a new study permit along with an extension application for a permit. It will help IRCC know about the 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 the conditions of the study permit must be complied with by the students, such as being enrolled full-time and achieving academic progress.
What Remains the Same?
There are some benefits of this policy, but its main drawbacks result in the absence of changes on some grounds. For instance, the new conditions for international students state that now one needs to update the data on his study permit, which must reflect the newly assigned DLI to which that student has changed, but may do so only after the change if an application to extend is already submitted. Non-compliance can result in a number of issues and, ultimately, a student's status may be impacted in Canada.
In addition, this is only for those students who will be transferring schools for the Winter or Spring 2025 semesters. The remainder will have different requirements, but the IRCC says these should be outlined shortly 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 provide numerous benefits to people studying in Canada, such as increased opportunities and support. Some of the benefits are:
Reduced Delays
With the removal of waiting for months in the queues of the previous DLI before a new permit can be received on arrival, this means that students will transition easier and be well-prepared for class.
Less complicated Process
This has enabled 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 thus offers greater flexibility in responding to such changes.
How to Transfer Schools Under the New Rules for International Students?
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 Plans
Update your records with the IRCC so that you can notify them that you have new academic plans. Under the New Rules for International Students, while you may start studying, you must ensure that your new DLI is updated in your permit once it has been processed.
Comply
Comply with all conditions of your study permit, including remaining enrolled as a full-time student and making satisfactory academic progress.
What If I Don't Comply?
Severe penalties will be imposed for failure to comply with the updated rules and conditions, including but not limited to:
Loss of Study Permit Status
Non-compliance may result in the cancellation of your study permit.
Impact on Future Immigration Applications
Violations may negatively impact future immigration applications, such as work permits or permanent residency. In order to avoid any complications while studying in Canada, it is important to know and comply with the rules.
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 withdraw 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 make sure it does not exceed 150 days.
In that period, you are supposed to notify your school and maintain proper documentation of your reasons for taking the leave. Failure to do so may affect your study permit or your eligibility to work or stay in Canada. 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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