Canada’s Free Trade Agreements
Canada’s Free Trade Agreements

Changing Your Institution

Changing Your School or Program

New Process for Post-Secondary Study Permit Holders – Starting November 8, 2024, students must remain enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) listed on their study permit. To switch to a different DLI, you must apply for a new study permit by extending your current one.

What to Do Based on Your Situation

  • Moving from Primary to Secondary Levels: No need to extend your study permit if it’s still valid, unless it has specific conditions preventing this.
  • Changing DLIs within Primary or Secondary Levels: No extension needed as long as your study permit remains valid, unless there are specific conditions.
  • Moving from Secondary to Post-Secondary Levels: Apply for a new study permit extension to attend a post-secondary institution.
  • Moving from Post-Secondary to Secondary Levels: You must apply to extend your study permit to attend a secondary school.
  • Switching Schools Within the Same DLI: No need for a new permit unless you need an extension. In that case, you’ll also need to submit a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL).
  • Changing DLIs at Post-Secondary Level: Apply for a new study permit extension to switch DLIs. If you changed DLIs before November 8, 2024, your current permit remains valid as long as conditions are met.

Changing Schools Before or After November 8, 2024

  • Before November 8, 2024: Students can still study at their new DLI with their current study permit as long as all conditions are met.
  • After November 8, 2024: A study permit extension is required to switch DLIs at the post-secondary level. Ensure the new school is a DLI and not on the suspension list. If you're in a co-op program, you’ll also need a new co-op work permit.

General Document Checklist for Changing DLI/Schools

When applying for your study permit extension, include:

  • A letter explaining why you’re changing schools.
  • A new valid PAL/TAL (except in certain cases).
  • Any documents proving eligibility to study at the new DLI while your application is processed.

When Can You Start Studying at the New DLI?

You can begin studying at the new DLI while waiting for your study permit extension if:
  • You’ve been accepted by the new DLI.
  • You’ve stayed in Canada since receiving your new Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
  • You continue to meet the conditions of your current permit.
If not meeting these criteria, wait for the new study permit extension before switching schools.

For Winter/Spring 2025 Intake

Students accepted for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester (January 1 – May 1, 2025) can begin studying at the new DLI if:
  • They’ve applied for a study permit extension.
  • Their current study permit remains valid and doesn’t mention the previous DLI.
  • They meet all study permit conditions.

Switching to a DLI on the Suspension List

You can only attend a suspended DLI if you are completing your existing program of study.

What Happens If You Change Schools Without Notifying Us?

If you change schools without informing IRCC:
  • Your old DLI will report you as not enrolled.
  • This may invalidate your study permit and result in cancellation or possible removal from Canada.
  • Future study or work permits could be denied.

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