IRCC has updated its program delivery instructions (PDIs) for officers assessing study permit conditions in Canada.
These updates clarify when a student is compliant, when a study permit becomes invalid, and what steps are required during leaves, deferrals, or DLI closures.
Every international student must now meet two key obligations under IRPR subsection 220.1(1):
- Stay enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) named on their permit.
- Actively pursue their course or program of study while in Canada.
Student Responsibilities
Study permit holders must maintain valid status at all times.
To remain compliant, they must:
- Enroll and remain at the DLI listed on their permit until studies are completed.
- Apply for a new study permit before switching DLIs (effective November 8, 2024).
- Extend their permit before it expires.
- Avoid studying after the permit becomes invalid or if the DLI loses its designation.
Failure to meet these conditions may result in enforcement action or permit cancellation.
When a Study Permit Becomes Invalid
A study permit becomes invalid under Regulation 222(1) on the earliest of:
- 90 days after completing studies.
- The day the student is no longer enrolled at the named DLI.
- The day the permit is canceled or expires.
If a student continues studying after this point, they are considered to be studying without authorization.
Actively Pursuing Studies
Students must make consistent academic progress. Officers will assess factors like attendance, grades, and study gaps.
To be compliant:
- Students must have at least part-time status with their DLI.
- In Quebec, full-time status is mandatory.
- Students should demonstrate steady progress toward completing their program.
If there are repeated gaps or unexplained changes in program or institution, officers may determine that studies are not being actively pursued.
Authorized Leave from Studies
Students can take an authorized leave of up to 150 days, but it must be approved by their DLI.
Acceptable reasons include:
- Medical illness or injury
- Pregnancy or family emergency
- Death or serious illness of a family member
- Program deferral or DLI closure
If a student does not resume studies within 150 days, they must either:
- Change their status to visitor or worker, or
- Leave Canada
Multiple leaves may trigger a review if they do not align with reasonable academic progress.
Changing DLIs or Programs
Since November 8, 2024, students whose study permits name a DLI must apply for a new permit before transferring.
Students can change programs within the same DLI unless restricted by permit conditions.
Officers assess frequent program or institutional changes to ensure they reflect legitimate academic intentions.
Deferred Enrolment and DLI Closures
A deferral must be formally approved by the DLI.
If deferral occurs while in Canada, the student must start classes within 150 days or change status.
In case of institutional closure or strike, students have up to 150 days to:
- Transfer to a new DLI
- Change their immigration status
- Leave Canada
Failure to act within the 150-day window leads to non-compliance.
Work Rules During Leave
Students on leave are not authorized to work on or off campus.
This applies even to students holding valid co-op or internship work permits.
Work may only resume once the student is actively enrolled again.
Family Members and Dependents
IRCC clarifies how compliance affects family members of students:
- Spouses or common-law partners (C42) retain their work permits until expiry, even if the student changes to visitor status.
- Children can continue to study without their own study permit while the parent’s permit is valid.
- Once the parent’s study permit expires, children must apply for their own study permit to continue studying.
Evidence of Compliance
Officers may request proof of compliance under R220.1(4).
Students should be prepared to submit supporting documentation, such as:
- Confirmation of enrollment or transcripts.
- Medical note for authorized leave.
- Letters showing suspension, withdrawal, or program deferral.
- Proof of DLI closure or institutional correspondence.
Both IRCC and CBSA officers may request this information at any time during random or targeted compliance checks.
Non-Compliance and Consequences
Before determining non-compliance, IRCC officers must send a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) to allow a response.
A final determination of non-compliance may result in:
- Exclusion orders under R228(1)(c)(v).
- A 6-month bar from applying for a new study or work permit (R200(3)(e)(i)).
Officers are reminded that all decisions are subject to judicial review to ensure procedural fairness.
Exemptions
Certain individuals are exempt from these conditions, including:
- Refugee claimants and protected persons.
- Diplomats and their families.
- Members of visiting armed forces.
- Students under official exchange agreements.
- Indigenous persons covered under the Temporary Public Policy for Indigenous Exemptions.
- U.S. government officials and accredited foreign representatives.
Practical Summary
| Area | Rule | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | Must stay at DLI named on permit | Apply for new permit before switching |
| Leave | Up to 150 days authorized | Resume studies or change status |
| Work | Not allowed during leave | Resume after re-enrollment |
| Deferral | Start within 150 days | Get updated acceptance letter |
| Closure | 150-day transition limit | Transfer, change status, or leave |
| Compliance Check | Evidence may be requested | Keep records and school documents |
Bottom Line
This 2025 update emphasizes accountability and active participation for international students in Canada.
To stay compliant, students must remain enrolled, progress academically, and act promptly during any leave, deferral, or institutional change.
Ignoring these conditions can lead to serious immigration consequences, including exclusion orders or loss of study authorization.
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