IRCC has just updated the rules for international students in Canada 2025-2026
Important news for anyone currently studying in Canada or planning to study here.
- Moving from high school to college or university: you can start studying right away
If you are finishing Grade 12 in Canada and preparing to begin a college or university program:
You only need to submit your new study permit application before your current permit expires.
Once submitted, you may start studying at your new school immediately without waiting for the new permit to be approved.
In simple terms: as long as you apply on time, you can attend classes without having to wait for IRCC to finish processing.
- Joint programs between two schools but only one final credential: you follow the rules of one school
Many students take joint or pathway programs, for example:
Year 1 at School A
Year 2 at School B
But the final credential is issued by School B.
IRCC has clarified how this works:
You only need one PAL, issued by the school that will grant your final credential.
You only need one study permit, listing that same school, for your entire program.
The credential-granting school must:
• Issue the primary Letter of Acceptance
• Validate that LOA with IRCC
• Report your academic status to IRCC, even during the time you study at School A
You may study at two campuses, but IRCC considers the credential-granting school as the one “in charge”. You follow the paperwork of that school only, not both.
- IRCC removes the old rule for elementary and secondary school applicants
Previously, officers could manually enter the name of an elementary or secondary school into the system without requiring a DLI number.
IRCC has removed this practice to strengthen standardization and data accuracy.
As a result, applications for younger students will be processed more clearly and with fewer errors.
