Published: November 18, 2024
Canada’s November 2024 rules made a change of post-secondary DLI a new-study-permit issue. In many cases, a student cannot simply update an online account and begin at the new institution.
The general rule
A post-secondary student who wants to change DLIs generally needs a new study permit. The application should include the new letter of acceptance and any provincial or territorial attestation letter required under the current rules. The student should ordinarily wait for approval before commencing studies at the new DLI.
Limited exceptions require careful reading
IRCC has published circumstances in which a student may begin at the new DLI while the application is being processed, including situations involving closure, program discontinuation, suspension or loss of DLI status. The exception depends on the specific facts and current instructions; personal preference, lower tuition or a better program is not automatically enough.
Status and work authorization remain separate
Submitting a new study permit application does not excuse earlier non-compliance and does not automatically create off-campus work authorization. Students must continue to meet the conditions governing their status and studies. A transfer can also affect PGWP eligibility, especially when programs or institutions are combined.
Before transferring
- obtain the new acceptance letter;
- identify the legal basis for beginning before approval, if any;
- check attestation-letter requirements;
- review PGWP eligibility for the new program;
- keep records from both institutions.
Official sources: IRCC — changing schools; IRCC — 2024 regulations.
Weiting Wang 