Date of Update: April 23, 2025
The Government of Canada has introduced important changes to how international students apply for and manage their study permits. These new rules are part of efforts to increase oversight and ensure accountability for both students and educational institutions.
Let’s break down these changes in simple terms.
Key Highlights
New Requirements for Students and DLIs
- Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) must now confirm letters of acceptance (LOA) before a study permit is issued.
- Students must stay enrolled at the DLI named on their study permit.
- If a student changes DLIs, they must apply for a new study permit.
Online Applications Are Now Mandatory
- All applications must be submitted online, whether applying from inside or outside Canada.
- Exceptions apply for those with disabilities or special circumstances.
Applying From Outside Canada
- A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) will be automatically issued with your study permit if needed.
- Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. don’t need an eTA to fly into Canada but must carry proof of status.
Applying From Within Canada
You can apply from inside Canada if:
- You’re already on a study or work permit.
- You’ve completed a prerequisite program (like ESL or FSL).
- You’re a visitor studying at the preschool, primary, or secondary level.
Note: Visitors in Canada usually can’t apply for a study permit from within the country unless they qualify under special rules.
Prerequisite Courses
If you’re taking a prerequisite course (e.g., English or French language program), your study permit will:
- Be limited to the course duration + 1 year.
- Not allow off-campus work during the prerequisite.
After finishing, you must apply for a new permit for your main program to work off-campus.
Changing DLIs or Programs? New Rules Apply
- If switching DLIs at the post-secondary level, you must apply for a new study permit.
- Your current study permit becomes invalid if you stop studying at your listed DLI (unless you completed your program).
Renewals & Status Clarifications
- A renewed study permit automatically includes an eTA (for visa-exempt nationals).
- A separate TRV application is needed if you’re from a visa-required country.
- You must apply before your status expires (all deadlines use UTC time).
❌ Who Shouldn’t Get an eTA?
eTAs won’t be issued if the student:
- Has a removal order.
- Has overstayed their visa.
- Holds a TRP and is inadmissible.
- Is a U.S. permanent resident.
For Visitors Completing Prerequisites
Visitors who’ve finished a prerequisite program can apply for a study permit if they have:
- An LOA confirming the prerequisite.
- Proof of program completion.
- A valid Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
Other Key Regulatory Changes
| Regulation | What Changed |
|---|---|
| R215.1 | Applications returned if DLIs fail to confirm LOAs |
| R217.1 | Must apply for a new permit to change DLIs |
| R220.1 | Must attend the DLI listed on permit |
| R222.1 to R222.6 | Conditions and compliance rules for DLIs |
| R219 | Study permits require confirmed LOA from DLIs |
| R221 | Consequences for not following conditions |
| R220 | Stricter financial proof guidelines |
New LOA Rules for Canada Study Permits in 2025: What Students & Schools Must Know
If you’re planning to study in Canada, or you’re a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that welcomes international students, this one’s important. Canada has updated its policies for Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) — the documents students need to apply for a study permit.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changed and what you need to know in 2025:
hat Is an LOA and Why It Matters
A Letter of Acceptance is the proof that you’ve been accepted into a Canadian school. Without it, your study permit will be denied — unless you’re exempt (more on that below).
IRCC now requires all DLIs to verify LOAs before a study permit can be issued. This step helps prevent fraud and ensures institutions are actively accepting the students they claim to.
✅ What Every LOA Must Include
Your LOA must clearly show:
- Your full name, DOB, and address
- The school name, DLI number, and contact info
- Type of school (e.g., public university, private college)
- Program name, level, and year of study
- Start and end dates, registration deadline
- Tuition fees, any scholarships
- Full-time or part-time status
- Any conditions (like language requirements)
💡 IRCC recommends using their official LOA template to avoid delays.
❌ Exceptions to the LOA Rule
You don’t need an LOA only if:
- You’re applying from outside Canada
- You’re the accompanying family member of someone already approved for a study or work permit before entering Canada
Important: If you’re applying inside Canada, you must still provide an LOA.
📝 What Is a Conditional LOA?
This is for students who must first complete a prerequisite course like English or French (ESL/FSL) before starting their main program.
- You’ll get a permit for the length of the prerequisite + 1 year
- You can’t work off-campus until your main program starts
- You’ll need to apply for a new study permit after completing the prerequisite
Renewing a Study Permit?
IRCC officers can ask for proof that you’re still enrolled and actively studying. That could include a letter or enrollment proof from your school.
How LOA Verification Works
Since 2023 (outside Canada) and 2024 (inside Canada), DLIs have 10 calendar days to verify the LOA in IRCC’s portal.
LOA statuses include:
- Verified – Match ✔️: LOA is confirmed
- Verified – No Match ❌: LOA not issued by the DLI
- Cancelled 🔄: LOA was revoked or deferred
🛑 If DLIs fail to verify in time, the application will be closed and the student refunded.
Delays? DLIs Can Request an Extension
If a natural disaster, labour strike, or tech outage prevents verification, schools can request more time by emailing IRCC before the deadline.
Quebec-Specific Rules
For vocational programs in Quebec (e.g., DVS, AVS), LOA verification isn’t required since they are considered secondary-level.
📣 Final Tips for Students
- Always check your DLI’s status before applying
- Don’t submit incomplete or fake LOAs — they’re checked!
- If your program includes a prerequisite, know you’ll need to apply again for a new permit
- Joint program? Make sure both DLIs are involved in your permit
Final Notes
- Even if your course is less than 6 months, you can still apply for a study permit.
- Study permit rules apply whether you’re in a degree, diploma, or language program.
- Always make sure your DLI is not suspended before applying.
1/ 🚨 #IRCC just released major changes to Canada’s #StudyPermit rules (April 2025)! If you’re an international student or planning to study in 🇨🇦 — this thread is for you 🧵👇
2/ 📌 NEW: All Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) must now be confirmed by your school (DLI) before a study permit is issued.
3/ 🏫 If you switch DLIs (schools), you must apply for a NEW study permit. Not optional anymore. #CanadaImmigration
4/ 🌐 ALL applications must be submitted online. No more paper unless you have an exception (e.g. disability).
5/ ✈️ Coming from abroad? You’ll get a TRV or eTA with your permit if needed. US green card holders don’t need an eTA to fly but MUST carry valid proof.
6/ 📚 Taking ESL/FSL before your program? You’ll get a permit only for that course + 1 year. No off-campus work allowed till you’re in your main program.
7/ 🔁 Changed your school or program? Study permit becomes INVALID unless you apply for a new one. DLIs under suspension = applications paused.
8/ 📝 Key rule changes (Regs):
- R215.1 → DLI must confirm LOA
- R220.1 → Must attend named DLI
- R222.6 → Suspended DLIs can’t renew permits
9/ 🛑 No eTA if:
- You overstayed
- Have removal orders
- Have certain inadmissibility issues
10/ 🎓 Final takeaway: Canada is getting stricter with study permits. Read the rules. Plan your move carefully. And when in doubt — apply early and accurately. #StudyInCanada #IRCC #InternationalStudents
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