Study Permits

Study Permit Proof of Funds Just Increased – Here’s What You Need to Know

As of today—September 1, 2026—International Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has raised the proof-of-funds requirement for all study permit applicants studying outside Quebec. If you’re planning to study in Canada, you’ll need to demonstrate significantly more financial capacity than you would have just yesterday. The good news? You can absolutely meet this requirement if you understand exactly what IRCC expects and how to document it properly.

The New Proof-of-Funds Amounts (Effective September 1, 2026)

IRCC updates proof-of-funds requirements annually based on Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO). Starting today, here are the new minimums for study permit applicants:

• Single applicant with no dependents: $23,448 CAD (an increase of $553)
• Applicant with two dependent family members: $29,192 CAD (an increase of $690)
• Applicant with three dependents: $35,000 CAD
• Applicant with seven dependents: $62,054 CAD (an increase of $1,465)

These amounts reflect 75% of Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for the corresponding family size. These figures cover living expenses only and are separate from your tuition fees and travel costs. You’ll need to demonstrate proof of all three: tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.

Why Did IRCC Increase These Requirements?

Canada adjusts proof-of-funds requirements every September to reflect real changes in the cost of living across the country. University tuition, rent, food, and transportation costs have all increased, so IRCC’s financial thresholds move up accordingly. This is a routine adjustment, not a sudden policy shift, but the timing means your application filed today has higher financial requirements than one filed yesterday.

Additionally, starting in July 2026, IRCC’s officer instructions changed how they verify these funds. Previously, officers only closely scrutinized financial documentation in “high-risk” cases. Now, every single study permit application undergoes detailed financial assessment—regardless of risk profile. This means sloppy documentation or unclear fund sources that might have slipped through before will now trigger refusals or requests for additional information (Requests for Further Information, or RFIs).

What Documents IRCC Will Scrutinize

To satisfy the new proof-of-funds requirement, IRCC wants to see three categories of evidence:

• Proof of paid tuition and housing: Receipt or letter from your school showing tuition paid or approved, and proof of paid housing deposit or housing agreement.
• Proof of remaining funds: Bank statements, savings account statements, or investment account statements showing you have the remaining amount needed for living expenses.
• Proof of fund sources: Evidence showing where this money came from. This is the new critical piece. Did someone gift you money? You’ll need a statutory declaration from that person. Did you earn it through work? Provide employment letters and pay stubs. Is it from a business or investment? Provide business registration or investment account documentation.

Here’s the key: IRCC wants confidence that you actually have legal access to this money and that the funds are real, not borrowed for a single bank statement screenshot.

Step-by-Step: How to Document Your Proof of Funds

Step 1: Gather Your School and Housing Documentation

Contact your school’s admissions or international student office and request a letter confirming your tuition costs for the full program duration. If you’ve already paid your tuition deposit, get a receipt. Similarly, if you’ve secured housing through your school or privately, obtain a lease agreement or housing confirmation letter. Have these ready—they’re non-negotiable.

Step 2: Calculate Your Required Proof of Funds

Take the total tuition cost, add your paid housing amount, and subtract this from the IRCC minimum. For example:

• IRCC minimum for single applicant: $23,448
• Your tuition (paid): -$15,000
• Your housing (paid): -$5,000
• Remaining balance you must prove in liquid funds: $3,448

Note: You can include paid amounts (tuition, housing) toward the overall total, so strong financial preparation from day one reduces your burden.

Step 3: Gather Bank and Investment Statements

Pull the most recent three to six months of bank statements showing your liquid savings. IRCC wants to see consistent fund balances, not sudden deposits that look suspicious. If your balance fluctuates significantly, provide a brief explanation. If you’re using funds from an investment account (RRSP, stock portfolio, GICs), get statements showing those accounts are in your name and the funds are accessible within a reasonable timeframe.

Step 4: Document the Source of Your Funds

This is where many applicants stumble. For each significant source of money, provide documentation:

• Employment income: Provide your employment letter (on employer letterhead, signed, with your job title and annual salary) plus 2–3 recent pay stubs.
• Family gift: The gift-giving family member must provide a notarized or statutory declaration stating they gifted you the money, that no repayment is expected, and that this represents their genuine intention. Many banks can notarize this. Your family member should also provide their own bank statement showing they have the capacity to gift this amount.
• Inheritance or family assets: Provide the inheritance certificate, will, or family trust documentation.
• Government grants or scholarships: Provide award letters and evidence of disbursement.
• Savings from previous work: Provide employment reference letters and historical bank statements showing steady accumulation.

The principle is simple: IRCC needs a documentary trail that shows you legitimately have access to this money.

Step 5: Organize Everything Clearly

Create a folder with clear labels for each document type: “Tuition Receipt,” “Housing Agreement,” “Bank Statements Jan–Jun 2026,” “Employment Letter,” “Gift Statutory Declaration,” etc. Submit these in your study permit application package in a logical sequence. Many refusals happen not because applicants lack funds, but because the documentation is disorganized and officers can’t quickly verify what they’re looking at.

Common Mistakes That Get Study Permits Refused

Based on seven years of working with international students, here are the three most common proof-of-funds errors:

• Sudden large deposits: A bank statement showing $25,000 deposited yesterday looks suspicious. IRCC wants to see stable balances or documented, legitimate reasons for deposits (salary, scholarship disbursement, etc.).
• Undocumented family gifts: Saying “my parents gave me money” without a signed, notarized declaration from your parents is not enough. Get the statutory declaration.
• Vague or conflicting information: If your application states you’re self-employed but your bank statements show sporadic deposits with no business documentation, IRCC will ask questions. Provide clear evidence that matches your narrative.

What If You’re Studying in Quebec?

If you’re planning to study in Quebec, different financial rules apply. You’ll first need to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), which has its own proof-of-funds requirements that are separate from and sometimes higher than the federal IRCC minimums. Work with an immigration consultant familiar with Quebec’s process to navigate these dual requirements.

Timeline: When Should You Prepare This?

Start gathering your proof-of-funds documentation at least 4–6 weeks before you plan to submit your study permit application. If you don’t yet have the required amount saved, be honest with yourself: can you reach it within the next month or two? If not, consider whether deferring your studies by one intake period will allow you to save the necessary funds. It’s better to apply when you’re well-prepared than to rush and face refusal.

Your Next Steps

The study permit process is straightforward if you understand what IRCC wants. You now have the exact amounts, the document categories, and the step-by-step approach to meet them. Start with your school’s tuition and housing letters, then build your financial documentation from there.

If your financial situation is complex—you have sponsors in multiple countries, you’re using a mix of employment income and family support, or you’re facing a refusal in process—we recommend speaking with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). We can review your documentation, identify gaps, and ensure your package tells a clear, compelling financial story to IRCC.

Study permit approval opens the door to Canadian education and can become a pathway to permanent residence. Getting the proof-of-funds requirement right on your first try is worth the effort. Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com to get started or ask a question.

How to Apply for the Francophone Student PR Pathway in Canada

If you’re a French-speaking student from Africa, the Middle East, or abroad, Canada just extended a unique pathway that gets you straight to permanent residence—without a job offer. The Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) remains open until August 2027, and the timeline is tight for students planning to start studies in Fall 2026.

Here’s exactly what you need to do to qualify and apply before the deadline.

What Makes This Pathway Different

Most international students follow this route: study on a study permit → find a Canadian job → apply through Express Entry or provincial nomination. The FMCSP eliminates the job offer requirement entirely.

Instead, if you’re a French-speaking student from an eligible country, you can:

1. Get a study permit to attend a designated Canadian institution
2. Complete your degree or diploma while living outside Quebec
3. Apply directly for permanent residence—no employer sponsorship needed

This pathway was created to support French-speaking communities in provinces where French is a minority language. It recognizes that French-speaking immigrants strengthen Canada’s linguistic diversity and help provincial economies. As of July 6, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the program will continue through August 2027, giving you another full year to pursue this opportunity.

Are You Eligible? Step 1: Check the Country List

You must be a citizen of one of 33 eligible countries. The list primarily includes French-speaking nations in Africa, the Middle East, and abroad. While the full official list is published on Canada.ca, eligible countries historically include nations such as:

• Senegal
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Cameroon
• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Guinea
• Mali
• Niger
• Togo
• Morocco
• Tunisia
• Algeria
• Haiti

Important: Verify your country is currently eligible by checking the official Government of Canada website or contacting us at hello@bisonimmigration.com. The list can change.

Step 2: Verify Your French Proficiency

You need to demonstrate NCLC Level 5 French proficiency across all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

This is a mid-level requirement—easier than Express Entry’s French-category draws (which require NCLC 7) but more rigorous than casual conversational French.

How to prove it: Take an approved French language test such as:

• TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
• TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)
• DALF (Diplôme d’aptitude à la langue française)
• DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française)

Plan for 4-8 weeks to prepare and take the test. Test results are valid for two years, so if you have recent scores, you may already qualify.

Step 3: Get Accepted to a Designated Institution

You must receive an acceptance letter from a Canadian post-secondary institution that participates in the FMCSP. As of July 2026, 17 designated learning institutions participate across Canada:

• Institutions in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta are primary hosts
• Programs must be completed outside Quebec
• The institution must be officially recognized by IRCC

What to do now:

1. Research which designated institutions offer programs aligned with your goals (business, engineering, healthcare, etc.).
2. Submit applications directly to the institution(s). Treat this like any standard international student application.
3. Once you receive an acceptance letter, you can move to the study permit stage.

Contact the institution’s international student office and confirm they participate in the FMCSP. This is critical—not all Canadian institutions are designated, and attending a non-designated school won’t qualify you for the PR pathway.

Step 4: Apply for Your Study Permit

With an acceptance letter in hand and NCLC 5 French proficiency proven, you can apply for a Canadian study permit.

You’ll need:

• Your acceptance letter from a designated institution
• Proof of French language proficiency (test results)
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters, or proof of scholarship) covering tuition and living expenses
• A valid passport
• Police certificate (if required by IRCC)
• Medical examination (if required)

Processing times: As of July 2026, study permit processing from outside Canada typically takes 4-7 weeks depending on your country of residence. Plan accordingly if you’re targeting a Fall 2026 start date.

Apply online: Submit your application through the Government of Canada’s online portal (Canada.ca). You cannot apply in person at a port of entry and then request a study permit—you must have it approved before arriving.

Step 5: Complete Your Credentials in Canada (Outside Quebec)

Once you arrive on your study permit, you must:

• Reside in a Canadian province or territory outside Quebec
• Maintain valid temporary resident status (keep your study permit valid)
• Complete your full degree or diploma through the designated institution

The FMCSP requires that you actually complete your studies and graduate. You cannot simply arrive, study for a semester, and then apply for PR. Most eligible programs are bachelor’s degrees (3-4 years) or diplomas (2-3 years).

During your studies:

• You’re permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during scheduled breaks (under standard Canadian student work rules)
• Build Canadian work experience and tax-filing history—both strengthen your PR application later
• Maintain your French language skills and proficiency

Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence

Once you graduate and have your diploma or degree in hand, you become eligible to apply for permanent residence under the FMCSP.

You’ll submit:

• Your official diploma or degree certification
• Evidence that you completed studies at a designated institution
• Proof you reside outside Quebec
• Your proof of French language proficiency (original test results)
• Police certificate
• Medical examination
• Proof of valid temporary resident status throughout your studies

Processing timeline: PR applications under the FMCSP typically process faster than traditional Express Entry pathways because the federal government prioritizes this program. Expect 4-6 months from submission to approval, though individual cases vary.

Timeline Example: Start Now, Get PR by 2029

Here’s a realistic timeline if you start the process today (August 2026):

• August–September 2026: Take French language test (4-8 weeks), apply to designated institutions
• September–October 2026: Receive acceptance letters, gather financial documents
• October–November 2026: Submit study permit application (4-7 week processing)
• December 2026: Arrive in Canada, begin your program
• December 2026–2029: Complete your degree or diploma
• 2029: Graduate and apply for permanent residence
• 2029 (late summer): Receive your permanent residence status

Timeline varies based on program length and processing speeds, but this gives you a realistic picture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Attending a non-designated institution. Verify the institution is officially designated for FMCSP before you apply. Attending a non-designated school means you won’t qualify for the PR pathway, even if it’s a legitimate Canadian university. Double-check with IRCC or the institution directly.

Mistake 2: Starting your studies in Quebec. The pathway explicitly requires you to reside outside Quebec during your studies. If you’re studying in Quebec, you don’t qualify. Make sure your institution is in another province.

Mistake 3: Letting your study permit lapse. You must maintain valid temporary resident status throughout your entire study period. If your permit expires and isn’t renewed, you lose eligibility. Keep track of expiration dates and apply for renewals 9 months before expiry.

Mistake 4: Not meeting NCLC 5 proficiency before applying. Language proficiency is not waivable. You cannot apply for a study permit under the FMCSP without proof of NCLC 5 French. Plan at least 8-12 weeks to reach this level if you’re starting from scratch.

Mistake 5: Assuming you can work full-time while studying. Canadian study permit rules limit you to 20 hours per week during school terms. Working beyond this limit violates your conditions and can result in permit cancellation.

Why This Pathway Matters Right Now

The FMCSP extension to August 2027 is a signal that Canada is serious about attracting and retaining French-speaking talent from outside Quebec. Competition for Canadian permanent residence is intense, and most pathways require a job offer or high Express Entry scores (currently 500+ CRS points).

This pathway removes that barrier. If you have the language skills, financial means, and commitment to study in Canada for 3-4 years, you have a clear, direct route to permanent residence.

The timeline is tight for Fall 2026 enrollment, but Spring 2027 intake is still viable. The program continues until August 2027, giving you until then to begin your studies (to ensure you finish within the program window).

Next Steps

This week: Confirm your country’s eligibility, then take (or retake) a French proficiency test. Search for designated FMCSP institutions offering programs in your field.

This month: Apply to 2-3 designated institutions. Contact their international student office and confirm FMCSP eligibility explicitly.

Once accepted: Gather financial documentation, apply for your study permit, and prepare for arrival in Canada.

If you have questions about whether this pathway is right for you, or if you need help navigating the study permit or PR application stages, we’re here to help. Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com to discuss your situation.

—Kari Davis, RCIC

If you are working in Canada and studying at the same time, a key deadline is almost here. The temporary public policy that allowed many work permit holders to study without a separate study permit expires on June 27, 2026. After that date, anyone whose program continues will need a valid study permit in Canada to stay authorized. This guide walks you through exactly what to check and what to do now.

What the policy did, and why it matters for your study permit in Canada

In June 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a temporary public policy allowing certain foreign nationals who already held a work permit — or who had applied to renew one — to enroll in studies without first obtaining a study permit. It was a practical bridge for workers who wanted to upskill while employed, and it removed a step that would otherwise have delayed their education.

According to IRCC, the policy was always time-limited. It has been in force since June 27, 2023, and it ends on June 27, 2026. Eligibility was tied to a specific cut-off: your work permit application (or renewal) generally had to be submitted on or before June 7, 2023. If you have relied on this policy, your authorization to study without a permit runs until the earliest of three dates — the day your work permit expires, the day a decision is made on your renewal, or June 27, 2026.

What the expiry means for you

The change is straightforward but easy to underestimate. Once the policy lapses, studying without a study permit is no longer authorized. If your program ends on or before June 27, 2026, you are not affected — you can simply finish. But if your studies continue past that date, you must hold a valid study permit to remain in compliance. Continuing to study without one after the deadline puts your status at risk.

There is also a second issue that catches many people off guard, and it is worth stating plainly: time spent studying under this temporary policy does not build eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP program requires that you held a valid study permit throughout your studies and met all the standard program requirements. Completing a program under the no-permit policy does not satisfy that condition. If a future PGWP is part of your plan, this distinction matters a great deal.

Your action steps before June 27, 2026

Here is a clear sequence to follow this week.

1. Confirm when your program ends. If it concludes on or before June 27, 2026, no further action is needed to remain authorized. If it continues past that date, move to the next step.
2. Check your work permit expiry and renewal status. Your authorization under the policy already ends when your work permit expires or when a decision is issued on a pending renewal. Know which date comes first so there are no surprises.
3. Apply for a study permit if your studies continue past the deadline. A standard study permit requires a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, proof you can support yourself, and the other documents IRCC lists for the program. Processing takes time, so apply as early as possible to avoid a gap in your authorization.
4. Plan around a PGWP carefully. If you intend to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit later, remember that study time without a valid study permit will not count. Speak with a licensed representative before you commit to a program so you understand how it affects your long-term options.
5. Keep your records organized. Save your work permit, any work authorization or renewal letters, your enrollment documents, and your study permit application confirmation. Clear documentation makes any future application — and any question from an officer — far easier to handle.

If you are unsure whether the policy applied to you in the first place, that is also worth confirming. The eligibility cut-off dates were specific, and acting on an assumption rather than the facts is where avoidable mistakes happen.

A note on timing

Deadlines like this one reward early action. Study permit processing is not instant, and a program that runs even a few weeks past June 27, 2026 means you need authorization in place before then. If you wait until the deadline to start, you may find yourself studying out of status while you wait for a decision. Reviewing your situation now — while there is still room to act — is the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one.

Every case turns on its own facts, including your work permit history, your program dates, and your future goals. If you would like a clear read on where you stand and what to do next, contact Bison Immigration Consulting today for a personalized assessment.

For the past three years, a temporary public policy has allowed certain foreign workers to study in Canada without holding a separate study permit. That policy expires on June 27, 2026. If you have been taking courses on this basis, you may need a study permit in Canada to keep studying after that date — and the time to confirm your situation is now, not the week of the deadline. This guide walks through exactly what is ending, who it affects, and the steps to take before June 27.

What the Policy Did and Why It Is Ending

The temporary public policy came into effect on June 27, 2023, with a three-year lifespan. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it let eligible foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit — or who applied to renew one and remain authorized to work — enrol in a program of study without first obtaining a study permit. Eligibility was tied to a specific cutoff: the underlying work permit application generally had to have been received by IRCC on or before June 7, 2023.

The policy was always temporary. IRCC set it to expire on June 27, 2026, and that date has not moved. Once it lapses, the normal rule returns: anyone who wants to pursue studies in Canada that require a study permit must hold one.

Who Needs a Study Permit After the Policy Ends

This change matters most if you are a worker already in Canada who has been studying without a study permit under the policy. After June 27, 2026, your authorization to study under this special measure ends. To continue a program of study beyond that point, you will generally need to apply for obtain a study permit.

There are two limitations that surprise people, and they are worth understanding clearly:

• No post-graduation work permit eligibility. Completing studies under this policy does not make you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). PGWP eligibility requires that you held a valid study permit during your program — studying without one does not count.
• No Canadian Experience Class credit during full-time study. Work experience you gain during a period of full-time study under this policy does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class, and you cannot earn Express Entry points for it.

In other words, the policy was a convenience for upgrading skills while working — not a back door to a study-based permanent residence pathway.

Action Steps to Take Before June 27, 2026

If any of this applies to you, here is a clear sequence to follow:

1. Confirm whether you were actually relying on the policy. If you have been studying without a study permit, check whether you were doing so under this measure or under another provision. Your eligibility depended on the June 7, 2023 application cutoff, so verify your own work permit history rather than assuming.
2. Check your study plans against June 27, 2026. If your program finishes before that date, you may simply complete it. If it continues past June 27, you will likely need a study permit to keep studying — so plan for the gap now.
3. Apply for a study permit early if you intend to keep studying. Study permit processing takes time, and applying in advance protects your ability to continue without interruption. If a PGWP later matters to you, remember that only study completed while holding a valid study permit counts toward that pathway.
4. Reassess your status if you plan to stop studying. Some workers will choose to return to full-time work only. Confirm that your work permit remains valid and that your activities match its conditions.
5. Keep your records organized. Gather your work permit, any renewal correspondence from IRCC, proof of enrolment, and your passport. Whether you apply for a study permit or simply confirm your status, having documents ready prevents last-minute problems.
6. Get advice before the deadline, not after. Because the consequences touch PGWP eligibility, Express Entry, and your legal status, a short conversation with a licensed advisor now can save a costly misstep later.

The Bottom Line

The end of this policy is not a crisis, but it is a hard deadline that rewards early planning. The workers who handle it well will be the ones who check their situation in June rather than discovering a problem in July. If your studies continue past June 27, 2026, treat a study permit application as the default next step — and confirm the details that apply to your specific case.

If you are unsure how the expiry of this policy affects your status, your studies, or your path to permanent residence, professional guidance can help you act with confidence and on time. Contact hello@bisonimmigration.com today for a personalized assessment.

If you are an international student in Canada with a mandatory internship, practicum or co-op term coming up, there is good news that many students have not heard yet. As of April 1, 2026, most post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit Canada used to require for these placements. Your study permit can now cover the work, and that removes a document — and a wait time — that used to trip up students every academic year.

What Changed for the Co-op Work Permit in 2026

Until recently, if your program included a required work placement, you needed two documents: your study permit, and a separate co-op work permit for the placement itself. Students often applied for that second permit late, or waited months for it to arrive, and risked missing the start of a placement their program required them to complete.

IRCC has now folded that authorization into the study permit. According to IRCC’s own help centre guidance — last updated April 17, 2026 — post-secondary students who are studying full-time at a designated learning institution and whose program includes student work placements as part of the curriculum “do not require a separate co-op work permit.” As CIC News reported, the change took effect April 1, 2026, and is meant to spare students the weeks or months they previously lost waiting on a second permit.

Who Qualifies — and Who Still Needs the Permit

The new rule is not automatic for everyone. Based on IRCC’s guidance, you can do your placement on your study permit if all of the following are true:

• You are a post-secondary student — college, university or an equivalent program.
• You are studying full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
• The work placement is a required part of your program, not optional.
• The placement makes up 50% or less of your total program of study.
• Your study permit carries work conditions allowing you to work in Canada.

Two groups still need the old document. Secondary-school students who do a work placement still require a co-op work permit. And if your placement is more than half your program, or your program does not formally require it, you fall outside the new rule and should get advice before you start. When in doubt, check the conditions printed on your own study permit rather than assuming.

IRCC has also signalled, in proposals still under consultation, that it may let students work while waiting for a study-permit extension or a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) decision, and may ease rules for foreign apprentices. Those changes are not yet in force, so do not plan around them yet.

What This Means for Students

For students, the study-to-PGWP-to-permanent-residence route is one of the most dependable ways into Canada when an Express Entry or provincial nomination is not yet within reach. A required co-op term is often where that journey starts — it builds the Canadian work experience that later supports a PGWP and a PR application.

The practical win is time and certainty. You no longer apply for, pay for, and wait on a second permit just to begin a placement your school requires. That matters most when your placement starts soon after a term begins and there simply was not time for a separate permit to be processed. The most common mistake we are seeing in 2026 is students still filing co-op work permit applications they no longer need — adding cost and delay for nothing.

What to Do Now

1. Read the conditions on your study permit. Look for wording that allows you to work in Canada. If your permit has no work conditions, contact IRCC or your designated learning institution before your placement begins.
2. Confirm the placement is required. Ask your program office to confirm in writing that the work term is a mandatory part of your curriculum and is 50% or less of the program. Keep that confirmation on file.
3. Do not apply for a co-op work permit you no longer need. If you have already applied, speak to a licensed representative before withdrawing or paying further fees.
4. Secondary students and edge cases — get advice. If you are in high school, or your placement is more than half your program, the old permit rules still apply to you.
5. Keep your study permit valid. The new flexibility depends on holding a valid study permit. If yours is expiring, apply to extend it before it lapses so you keep your status and your work authorization.

This is a genuinely helpful change, and one of the few recent immigration updates that makes life simpler rather than more complicated. Used correctly, it lets you start the Canadian work experience that anchors your longer-term PR plan without losing weeks to paperwork. The key is confirming you actually qualify before your first day on the job.

Contact hello@bisonimmigration.com today for a personalized assessment.