Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the public guidance for study permits and post-graduation work permits (PGWP) to clarify compliance and eligibility requirements. The revised files, last modified June 18, 2026, detail strict conditions regarding institution transfers, periods of leave, and the automatic invalidation of study permits 90 days after program completion. Officials also confirmed the expiration, on June 27, 2026, of a temporary policy that previously allowed certain work permit holders to study without a study permit. The revised guidance further reminds international students that unauthorized study or work may have serious immigration consequences, including enforcement action, future inadmissibility concerns, and negative impacts on future temporary or permanent residence applications.

Study permit invalidation

Per subsection R222(1), a study permit becomes invalid on the first of the following days to occur: 90 days after the day studies are officially completed, the day the holder is no longer enrolled at the named DLI (other than by completing studies), the day the permit is cancelled, or the day the permit expires. Studies are considered officially completed on the date the DLI first notifies the student by completion letter, transcript, or degree or diploma, regardless of the expiry date printed on the permit itself.

Institution transfers

As of November 8, 2024, section R217.1 requires study permit holders whose permit names a DLI to apply for a new study permit before changing institutions. Failing to do so renders the existing permit invalid and places the student in unauthorized study status at the new DLI. Students are authorized to change programs within the same DLI only at the same level of study, subject to any conditions on their permit.

Leave from studies

Authorized leave from a program should not exceed 150 days from the date the leave commenced. A student who begins or resumes studies within that window is considered to be actively pursuing studies during the leave. Students cannot work on or off campus, including under a co-op work permit, during any leave from studies or a DLI closure.

Expiry of the work permit study exemption

The temporary public policy that allowed eligible work permit holders to study without a separate study permit expired on June 27, 2026. Work permit holders continuing studies beyond that date must hold a valid study permit.

Consequences of non-compliance

IRCC’s guidance confirms that a finding of non-compliance can result in an exclusion order under subparagraph R228(1)(c)(v), as well as a bar on future study or work permit applications for six months following the cessation of unauthorized study or work, per paragraph R221(a) and subparagraph R200(3)(e)(i).

Full guidance is available directly from IRCC: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/assessing-conditions.html

We recently held our Study Permit Applications, Accompanying Family Members and Post Graduate Work 2026 course with Andrew Carvajal and Miho Kitamura on June 10, covering study permit applications and post-graduation work eligibility in depth. Learn more at lpen.ca/courses/study-permit-applications-accompanying-family-members-and-post-graduate-work-2026/

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