Maple News reports that 2025 marked a year of significant regulatory changes for international students in Canada, particularly those planning to transition from studies to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. These changes impact individuals at various stages of their academic journey—from those preparing visa applications to recent graduates seeking work opportunities.
One of the most substantial changes involves how international students switch designated learning institutions (DLIs). Starting in late 2024, students are now required to apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before transferring schools. Previously, students could simply update their DLI information through their IRCC online account. This change aims to reinforce the integrity of Canada’s international education system.
Since January 2025, students must also include a valid Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) when applying for a new study permit or extension. This document confirms the province or territory’s support for the student’s academic placement, aligning with the newly introduced study permit cap. To ease the transition, IRCC allowed students accepted into new DLIs for winter or spring 2025 to begin studies while awaiting permit approval. However, this transitional support expired on May 1, 2025.
Another critical update for prospective PGWP applicants involves field of study eligibility. Students whose initial study permits were issued before November 1, 2024, are grandfathered into the older policies and are exempt from more restrictive field-of-study requirements recently implemented. However, reapplying for a permit under the new school would forfeit this exemption.
These changes occur alongside other shifts in policy, such as limitations on spousal open work permits based on the type of postsecondary program, revised cost-of-living requirements for study permit applicants, and fast-tracked, two-week processing times for doctoral students. Additionally, greater flexibility is now granted to master’s and PhD-level students, reflecting Canada’s interest in retaining high-skilled international talent.
All of these updates signal a more strategic approach from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), focusing on better managing international student volume, improving program quality, and aligning education-to-work pathways with national labor market needs.
According to Maple News, international students and their families are encouraged to carefully review the latest IRCC guidelines and ensure full compliance when making decisions about transfers, permit renewals, or PGWP planning.