Canada Updates Study and Work Visa Rules for International Students

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidance for international students, introducing clearer rules on study permit validity, changing schools, work rights, authorized leave, and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.

The revised guidance clarifies existing requirements to help students maintain their legal status while studying in Canada.

Study Permits May Expire 90 Days After Graduation

According to IRCC, a study permit expires on the earlier of:

• The expiry date printed on the permit, or
• 90 days after a student completes their studies.

The 90-day period begins when the educational institution first confirms program completion through an email, letter, transcript, or when the student receives a degree, diploma, or certificate.

This means students who finish their studies earlier than expected may lose their study permit before the printed expiry date.

New Study Permit Required for Many School Transfers

IRCC has also clarified that post-secondary students transferring to another Designated Learning Institution (DLI)generally must apply for a new study permit by extending their existing one.

In most cases, students cannot begin studying at the new institution until the new permit is approved, although certain exceptions apply. IRCC is currently processing eligible DLI transfer applications within 60 days.

Students changing programs within the same institution generally do not require a new study permit, provided they continue to meet the conditions of their existing permit.

IRCC warned that changing institutions without following the required process could result in permit cancellation, loss of legal status, removal from Canada, or difficulties with future immigration applications.

Work Restrictions During Authorized Leave

International students remain eligible for an authorized leave of up to 150 days under specific circumstances if approved by their educational institution.

However, IRCC has reiterated that students cannot work on or off campus while on authorized leave or while transferring schools if they are not actively studying.

Unauthorized employment may lead to the loss of student status, refusal of future study or work permit applications, and possible removal from Canada.

Temporary Worker Study Policy Ends

IRCC also confirmed that the temporary public policy allowing certain foreign workers to study without a separate study permit expired on June 27, 2026.

Individuals wishing to continue studying must now comply with the standard study permit requirements unless they qualify for another exemption.

PGWP Rules Clarified

The updated guidance also makes it clear that students completing non-credit programs are generally not eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), except for certain qualifying flight school programs.

General-interest and self-improvement courses are also excluded.

IRCC emphasized that graduating from a Designated Learning Institution alone does not automatically qualify a student for a PGWP. Students should verify that both their institution and program meet PGWP eligibility requirements before making post-graduation plans.

The updated guidance places greater emphasis on complying with study permit conditions throughout a student’s stay in Canada, including during school transfers, authorized leave, and after completing a program.