IRCC UPDATED THE STUDY PERMIT POLICY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TRANSITIONING BETWEEN EDUCATION LEVELS
More flexibility for students changing schools and clearer rules for joint programs
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced new policy changes on November 24, 2025, affecting study permit applications for students at designated learning institutions (DLIs).
The update introduces more flexibility for international students who are moving from secondary to post-secondary education, and clarifies how joint programs leading to a single credential are handled under the study permit and provincial attestation letter (PAL) requirements.
Starting post-secondary studies while waiting for permit approval
Under the new rules, international students who are:
Transitioning from secondary to post-secondary education, and
Studying at designated learning institutions,
may now begin classes at their new institution while their study permit application is still being processed, as long as:
They applied for the new study permit before their current permit expired.
This change gives students more continuity in their education and reduces the stress of having to delay or defer their post-secondary start date while they wait for IRCC’s decision.
Clarified rules for joint programs with a single credential
IRCC has also clarified rules for joint programs that involve more than one institution but lead to a single final credential (for example, pathway programs, joint degrees, or formal partnerships).
For these joint programs:
Students will need only one Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
Students will also need only one study permit,
Both must be issued by the institution that grants the final credential.
The credential-issuing institution is responsible for:
All compliance reporting to IRCC
Providing an unconditional letter of acceptance confirming the student’s progression in the program
These clarifications aim to simplify the process for students enrolled in structured joint pathways and ensure clear accountability from the institution responsible for the final diploma or degree.
What this means for international students
For international students, these policy changes bring:
Less disruption when moving from high school to college or university
Clearer guidance on documents needed for joint programs
Reduced administrative duplication, with only one PAL and one permit for eligible joint programs
Students and families still need to make sure they:
Apply before their current permit expires, and
Receive a proper letter of acceptance and documentation from the credential-issuing institution.
At Global Opportunities, we help you understand how these new IRCC rules affect your study plans, choose the right institution and program structure, and prepare a complete, compliant study permit application so you can transition smoothly between education levels in Canada.