Studying in Canada as an international student can be both challenging and rewarding. One of the challenges that students face is understanding immigration requirements related to study permits and other permits that are tied to their studies in Canada.
It is important to understand that every student is responsible for their own immigration status in Canada. The International Office at CUE provides support and services to help you understand your responsibility, however we are not responsible for any decisions made by Immigration, Refugees or Citizenship Canada (IRCC) nor for ensuring students maintain their status in Canada.
Immigration information is subject to changes. For the most up to date information, please visit the Government of Canada’s website.
Latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Updates
Last updated: January 2025
The information below provides recent immigration changes announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) concerning the International Education program. Visit the Government of Canada website for the full list of IRCC News Releases, the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information, or the program delivery instructions for officers.
Off-Campus Work Hours
As of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Make sure you meet all other requirements for working while you study. Read the November 15, 2024, IRCC News Release.
Student Direct Stream
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended on November 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET. Applications submitted on or after this date and time will be processed as regular study permits.
Changing Your Designated Learning Institution
Starting November 8, 2024, students must be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) named on the study permit. Students may no longer change DLIs by letting IRCC know through their online account. To change DLIs, students need to apply for a new study permit. Read the November 15, 2024, IRCC News Release.
Note: If you were accepted to a new DLI for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester (starting from January 1, 2025 to May 1, 2025)
You can start studying at your new DLI if you
- have been accepted to a DLI for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester (starting from January 1, 2025 to May 1, 2025), and
- have applied for a study permit extension, and
- have a study permit that remains valid and that doesn’t have the DLI name printed on it, and
- meet all your existing study permit conditions
If you meet these criteria, you can attend the new DLI you wanted to transfer to while your study permit extension is being processed.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
As of November 1, 2024, there are new requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in addition to the general eligibility.
New requirements for the PGWP, Language requirement – required for all applicants applying on or after November 1, 2024
- Language requirement – required for all applicants applying on or after November 1, 2024
- Field of study requirement – required for some applicants applying on or after November 1, 2024. Please note, there are no field of study requirements for university graduates with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree.
Strengthening temporary residence programs for sustainable volumes
On September 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made an announcement concerning several changes for temporary residents which includes the International Student Program. Read the September 18, 2024, IRCC News Release.
Some of the changes include the following,
- Language proficiency requirement for the Post-Graduation Work Permit for applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024.
- Further reductions in the intake cap on study permit applications for 2025.
- Master’s and doctoral programs will require a provincial or territorial attestation letter in 2025. (Note: IRCC has yet to provide further information, check the IRCC webpage for updates)
- Changes to open work permit eligibility for spouses/common-law partners of certain masters students.
Work permit for your spouse or partner
In September 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made changes to open work permit (OWP) eligibility for family members of international students. As of January 21, 2025, eligibility for a Family Open Work Permit (OWP) will be limited to spouses of students of international students who are enrolled in
- master’s programs that are 16 months or longer
- doctoral programs, or
- select professional and eligible programs
Read the September 18, 2024, and January 14, 2025, IRCC News Releases.
Students with questions regarding immigration matters may contact the International Office at international@concordia.ab.ca.