Canada Updates Study Permit Rules for International Students
What You Need to Know
Canada has made some important changes to its study permit rules for international students. On June 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its guidelines regarding study permits, school transfers, program changes, graduation dates, and work eligibility.
These changes are already in effect and can directly impact international students studying in Canada. Therefore, it is important to understand what has changed and how it may affect you.
Why Did IRCC Update the Rules?
The new guidelines aim to provide clearer instructions for students and immigration officers. While some rules already existed, IRCC has now explained them in more detail and clarified how they will be enforced.
As a result, students must pay closer attention to their study permit conditions to avoid compliance issues.
Unauthorized School Transfers Can Make Your Study Permit Invalid
One of the biggest changes involves students who transfer between designated learning institutions (DLIs).
Previously, many students changed schools without fully understanding the consequences. However, IRCC has now clearly stated that if your study permit names a specific school, you must apply for a new study permit before transferring to another DLI.
If you switch schools without getting authorization first:
- Your existing study permit may become invalid.
- You may be considered to be studying without authorization.
- This could affect your immigration status in Canada.
Therefore, students who changed schools after November 8, 2024, should check whether they properly applied for a new study permit.
New Rules for Older Study Permits Without a School Name
Some study permits issued before November 8, 2024, did not include the name of a specific institution.
For these students, IRCC has introduced new guidance.
Under the updated rules:
- Students should apply for a new study permit when changing schools.
- When their current permit expires, they must obtain a new permit that includes their current DLI’s name.
- Immigration officers will review the original permit conditions before deciding whether the student violated any rules.
In addition, students moving from secondary school to post-secondary education must apply for a new study permit before beginning their new program.
Program Changes Within the Same School May Require a New Permit
Another important update affects students who change programs within the same institution.
Previously, students could generally switch programs at the same school without major concerns.
Now, IRCC has clarified that this flexibility applies only when the new program is at the same level of study.
For example:
- Diploma to another diploma → Usually allowed.
- Bachelor’s degree to another bachelor’s degree → Usually allowed.
- Diploma to bachelor’s degree → May require a new study permit.
- Bachelor’s degree to master’s degree → May require a new study permit.
As a result, students planning to upgrade their educational level should carefully review their permit requirements before making changes.
IRCC Has Defined When Studies Are Officially Completed
Many students are unsure about the exact date their studies officially end.
To address this confusion, IRCC has now defined an official completion date.
Your studies are considered completed when your institution first notifies you through one of the following:
- A completion letter
- A final transcript
- A degree, diploma, or certificate
This clarification is particularly important because graduates only have 180 days to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies.
Therefore, students should keep track of the first document confirming program completion.
Students Remain Compliant During School Closures
IRCC has also provided clearer guidance for students whose institutions close due to reasons such as:
- Bankruptcy
- Loss of designation
- Strikes
- Other operational issues
Previously, students had up to 150 days to transfer, change status, or leave Canada. However, it was not clearly stated whether they remained compliant during that period.
Now, IRCC has confirmed that students are considered compliant during the 150-day transition period, provided they take the required action within the allowed timeframe.
This change offers greater protection and peace of mind for affected students.
Three Sections Have Been Removed
IRCC has removed three sections from its study permit compliance page:
1. Change of Status
This section previously explained how students could resume studies after changing to visitor or worker status.
2. Spouses of Full-Time Students
The removed section discussed work permits issued to spouses of international students.
3. Children of International Students
This section covered study authorization for children whose parents held valid study permits.
Although the guidance has been removed from this page, it does not necessarily mean the underlying immigration rules have changed.
Students affected by these situations should seek updated information directly from IRCC or a licensed immigration professional.
New Rules for Working During a Leave of Absence
IRCC has simplified its guidance regarding work during study breaks.
The new rule is straightforward:
If you are not actively studying full-time, you cannot work.
This applies to:
- On-campus jobs
- Off-campus jobs
- Co-op placements
- Internship placements
The restriction also applies during school closures and authorized leaves.
Therefore, students should avoid working while on a leave from studies unless they have specific authorization that allows it.
Other Important Clarifications
IRCC has also made several smaller updates, including:
- Replacing softer wording with stronger language such as “must enrol” and “must actively pursue studies.”
- Clarifying that only officially approved leaves count as authorized leave.
- Updating terminology related to study permit invalidation.
- Providing clearer instructions for immigration officers reviewing student compliance.
While these may seem like minor wording changes, they reinforce the importance of following study permit conditions carefully.
What Should International Students Do Now?
Given these updates, international students should review their situation immediately.
You should:
- Confirm whether you changed schools after November 8, 2024.
- Check if you applied for a new study permit before transferring.
- Review any program changes made within the same institution.
- Verify your official study completion date.
- Ensure your leave of absence is officially authorized.
- Avoid working during any study leave or school closure period.
- Plan ahead if your study permit does not name a specific DLI.
Taking these steps now can help prevent future immigration complications.
Final Thoughts
The June 2026 IRCC update is one of the most significant clarifications to Canada’s study permit rules in recent years.
Most importantly, the new guidance makes it clear that transferring schools without authorization, changing study levels, or working during study breaks can have serious consequences for a student’s immigration status.
Therefore, international students should carefully review their study permit conditions and ensure they remain compliant with the latest IRCC requirements. Staying informed today can help protect your future study, work, and immigration opportunities in Canada.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
