The following chart provides a summary of the changes, as stated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC):
Current Regulations | New Regulations as of June 1 |
Applicants must show that they intend to pursue studies in Canada when applying for a study permit. | Applicants must enrol in and continue to pursue studies in Canada. Failure to do so could lead to removal from Canada. |
Applicants may apply for a study permit to pursue studies at any educational institution in Canada. | Study permits will only be issued to successful applicants who are pursuing studies at an educational institution that has been designated to receive international students. |
Study permit holders pursuing studies at publicly-funded and certain privately-funded post-secondary institutions must apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit to be able to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during the academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks. | Study permits will automatically authorize the holder to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks without the need to apply for a separate work permit. The study permit holder must be pursuing academic, vocational or professional training of six months or more that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate at a designated institution. |
| Any international student can apply for a Co-Op Work Permit if a co-op placement is an integral element of their course of study. | Only international students who are pursuing studies at a secondary school or at a designated institution may apply for a Co-Op Work Permit if a co-op placement is an integral part of their course of study. |
Visitors may not apply for a study permit from within Canada | Visitors may apply for a study permit from within Canada if they are at the pre-school, primary or secondary level, are on an academic exchange or a visiting student at a designated learning institution, or have completed a course or program of study that is a condition for acceptance at a designated learning institution. |
International students who have completed their studies but hold valid study permits can remain legally in Canada until the expiration of their study permit. | A study permit becomes invalid 90 days following the completion of studies unless the foreign national also possesses a valid work permit or another authorization to remain in Canada. |
There are no references in existing regulations that clearly state that Registered Indians who are also foreign nationals are exempt from the requirement to obtain a study permit. | Registered Indians who are also foreign nationals may study in Canada without a study permit as they have the right of entry into Canada. |
Study permit holders are not authorized to work after the completion of their studies while awaiting approval of their Post-Graduation Work Permit | Eligible international graduates will be authorized to work full-time after their studies are completed until a decision is made on their application for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. |