New Canada guidance for international students spells out stricter study permit, PGWP requirements

Canada has updated its guidance on study permits and post-graduation work permits (PGWPs), introducing more detailed compliance requirements while clarifying existing eligibility rules that could affect international students, including those already studying in the country.

The changes, published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) over the last several weeks, expand guidance used by immigration officers to assess study permit compliance and PGWP applications. While many of the revisions are clarifications rather than new rules, they add detail on enrolment requirements, academic progress, study permit validity, transfers between institutions and post-study work permit eligibility.

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The updates come after hundreds of graduates from Calgary's Canadian Institute of Osteopathic Therapy (CIOT) reportedly had their PGWP applications refused following a clarification that students completing non-credit programmes are not eligible for a PGWP, except in the case of flight school programmes. According to IRCC, the June update clarified an existing policy rather than introducing a new rule.

Study permit expires 90 days after programme completion

IRCC's updated guidance states that studies are considered officially completed on the date a designated learning institution (DLI) first notifies a student through a completion letter, transcript, degree or diploma. Unless evidence shows otherwise, the date on that document is treated as the official completion date.

The guidance also reiterates that a study permit becomes invalid 90 days after a student completes their studies.

Students changing institutions need a new permit

The revised guidance expands on rules introduced in November 2024 requiring students whose study permits name a specific DLI to obtain a new study permit before transferring to another institution.

Students who move to a new DLI without first securing a new permit are considered to be studying without authorisation because their existing permit becomes invalid once they are no longer enrolled at the institution named on it.

Students changing programmes within the same institution and at the same level of study can continue without applying for a new study permit, provided no other permit conditions restrict them. Students moving from secondary to post-secondary education must also obtain a new study permit naming their post-secondary institution before beginning classes.

More scrutiny of academic progress

The updated compliance guidance also signals greater scrutiny of students' academic progress and authorised leave.

While authorised leave of up to 150 days remains permitted, immigration officers are now instructed to examine multiple periods of leave to determine whether students are making reasonable progress toward completing their programme.

IRCC also makes clear that students cannot work on or off campus while on authorised leave or if they are not studying full time.

PGWP clarification draws attention

On June 24, IRCC updated its PGWP guidance to specify that graduates of non-credit programmes are not eligible for post-graduation work permits, except for flight school programmes.

The clarification has attracted attention after graduates from CIOT argued they enrolled before earlier policy changes affecting public-private partnership programmes and expected to qualify for PGWPs. According to the report, many affected graduates are appealing their refusals.

IRCC has maintained that the June revision did not change eligibility rules but clarified existing requirements related to non-credit programmes.

Temporary study exemption ends

IRCC has also ended a temporary public policy that allowed certain work permit holders to study in Canada without obtaining a study permit. The measure, introduced on June 27, 2023, expired on June 27, 2026.

The updated guidance underscores the importance of students relying on the latest official immigration policies, as clarifications issued without formal announcements can have significant implications for study permit compliance and post-graduation work permit eligibility.