Published: November 29, 2024
The November 2024 regulatory amendments changed the legal significance of a post-secondary student’s DLI. A valid study permit should no longer be treated as freely transferable among institutions.
The central change
Post-secondary students must generally obtain a new study permit before changing DLIs. Institutions also have expanded compliance-reporting duties, and IRCC can compare a permit holder’s records with enrolment information reported by the DLI.
Older permits are not simply “open” permits
Students who received permits before implementation should not assume that the absence of a printed school condition creates an unrestricted right to transfer. The current regulatory and operational rules govern the change. Transition measures may apply, but they must be identified from IRCC’s instructions rather than inferred from the appearance of the document.
Consequences beyond the transfer
Studying at an unauthorized institution or failing to comply with study-permit conditions can affect extensions, restoration, work authorization and future applications. Program changes may also alter PGWP eligibility. When a new provincial or territorial attestation letter is required, that requirement must be addressed as part of the new permit application.
A careful transfer checklist
- confirm that the new institution remains a DLI;
- obtain a valid letter of acceptance;
- identify whether an attestation letter is required;
- apply for the new study permit and determine whether an exception permits studies before approval;
- retain proof of compliance at the previous institution.
This article reflects the legal transition at the end of November 2024. Always consult the current instructions before changing schools.
Official sources: IRCC — regulations take effect; IRCC — changing schools.
Weiting Wang 