Transitional Measures for Students Changing DLIs in 2025

Key Takeaways

01

New transitional measures allow international students to switch DLIs while awaiting new study permit approvals in early 2025.
02

IRCC caps study permits to manage intake, revises Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility, and adjusts work-hour limits in 2024.
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Strengthened oversight and evolving policies ensure sustainable growth and program integrity for Canada’s international education sector.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced notable changes in their approach to international students intending to transfer between Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in early 2025. These transitional measures were devised to ease concerns following the regulatory changes from November 8, 2024, that required international students to secure a new study permit extension before moving to a different DLI.

To grasp the implications of these transitional measures, it’s essential to understand the context in which they were introduced. The November 2024 regulations enforced stricter requirements for international students by necessitating prior approval of a new study permit before switching DLIs. This update aimed at reinforcing the robustness of the International Student Program and strengthening the management and monitoring of student movements between educational institutions.

Transitional Measures for Students Changing DLIs in 2025

In response to potential disruptions that these changes might cause, IRCC has set out transitional measures for the Winter and Spring semesters of 2025. These measures include provisions for a temporary grace period, allowing eligible students to commence their studies at a new DLI while their study permit applications are under review.

The conditions attached to this grace period are specific. Firstly, students need to have been accepted to a new Designated Learning Institution for either the Winter (January) or Spring (May) 2025 semester. Additionally, they must submit an application for a new study permit and hold a valid permit that lacks a specific DLI restriction. Moreover, students are required to continue adhering to all existing conditions tied to their current study permits.

The significance of these measures cannot be overstated. They aim to prevent students from being sidelined due to application processing delays, particularly during critical intake periods in January and May 2025. These provisions thus ensure a seamless transition for students wishing to change institutions, safeguarding their educational journey from disruptions. For educational institutions, this measure alleviates potential challenges with enrollment, as they risked a considerable decline in student numbers without these adjustments.

The introduction of these transitional measures is part of broader changes to Canada’s International Student Program throughout 2024. Collectively, these changes represent the government’s strategic efforts to harmonize the expansion of international education with the need for protecting the program’s integrity and fostering student success.

In January 2024, the IRCC implemented a ceiling on study permit applications to stabilize growth across a two-year period. The national cap was defined at approximately 600,000 study permit applications, aimed at achieving approximately 360,000 approved permits—a 35% reduction compared to 2023 figures. Each province and territory received their respective caps, weighted by population size. This approach resulted in more substantial decreases where international student numbers had previously surged unsustainably. Provinces and territories are tasked with managing these allocations among their respective DLIs.

Alongside this, the criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) have shifted. Starting from September 1, 2024, students enrolled in study programs that are tied to curriculum licensing arrangements will lose their eligibility for a PGWP upon graduation. This alteration targets the substantial growth observed in these programs, which have reportedly received less oversight compared to public college programs, posing as a loophole for PGWP eligibility.

Additionally, changes to work hour limitations have also been introduced. As of April 30, 2024, international students are permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session. This marks a revision from a temporary policy that previously allowed for more than 20 hours of work per week during the pandemic. Students can continue to work full-time during scheduled academic breaks.

To enhance oversight and compliance, IRCC has bolstered its collaborations with DLIs, requiring them to submit regular reports—twice a year—on the enrollment status of all international students. Failure by DLIs to meet these reporting requirements, or verify acceptance letters, can lead to penalties, such as suspension from accepting new international students for up to a year.

The development of a Recognized Institutions Framework (RIF) is currently in progress. Originally set for a fall 2024 rollout but now potentially deferred to 2025, the RIF seeks to encourage DLIs to uphold superior standards in international student recruitment and support, including housing and post-graduate outcomes.

The transitional measures for student DLI transfers in early 2025 underscore IRCC’s adaptive efforts in addressing current challenges within Canada’s international education landscape. Nonetheless, these measures are nested within a larger, sustained effort to refine and enhance the International Student Program.

As Canada remains a preferred destination for international students, managing growth alongside program integrity remains a focal point for the government. The approach includes aiming for sustainable growth in the international student population, ensuring high-quality educational experiences, shielding students from potential exploitation, and aligning international education with Canada’s labor market needs and immigration goals.

Navigating these policies throughout 2024 and into 2025 reflects a dynamic policy environment. Stakeholders—comprising educational institutions, international students, and immigration consultants—must remain vigilant about these evolving regulations and their implications. The transitional measures offer international students a reprieve and flexibility, emphasizing the necessity of strategic planning and timely applications, especially for those contemplating educational changes in Canada.

In the evolving landscape of international education, consistent and clear communication between IRCC, educational institutions, and students is crucial for effectively adapting to these changes. While the transitional measures for DLI transfers in early 2025 present a constructive adjustment, they also signal IRCC’s openness to modify its policies to maintain both the program’s integrity and the needs of international students pursuing educational goals in Canada.

In the years ahead, further refinements to Canada’s international education policies are anticipated as the government evaluates the impact of these changes and responds to emerging patterns and challenges in the global education market. As stated in an analysis by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and proactive will be essential as these policies continue to develop. For additional information on Canada’s immigration guidelines, visiting the Canadian Government Immigration website is highly recommended.

Through these transitional measures and ongoing policy efforts, Canada continues to nurture a welcoming and structured environment for international students, ensuring that their academic and professional pursuits can flourish within a robust regulatory framework. The measures reflect a commitment to supporting the international student journey in Canada, maintaining a balance between fostering educational growth and upholding regulatory standards.

Learn Today

DLI (Designated Learning Institution): An institution approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.
Study Permit Extension: An authorization allowing an international student to continue studying in Canada beyond the initial permit’s expiry.
Transitional Measures: Temporary regulations or provisions introduced to smoothly implement new policies, minimizing disruptions during changeovers.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): A permit allowing international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian programs to work in Canada.
Recognized Institutions Framework (RIF): A forthcoming set of standards to ensure high-quality recruitment and support by Canadian educational institutions.

This Article in a Nutshell

In early 2025, IRCC introduced flexible measures for international students switching DLIs, following stricter November 2024 rules requiring a permit extension. This temporary grace period aids smooth transitions without educational disruptions. The move reflects Canada’s effort to balance program integrity with student needs, ensuring a secure, enriching academic experience.
— By VisaVerge.com