If you’re an international student in Canada, it’s important to know that the rules around changing schools (DLIs) have changed—and they’re now much stricter.
Before November 8, 2024, students could switch from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another by simply updating their new school information on their IRCC online account. They didn’t need to apply for a new study permit, which made things easier and quicker.
But starting November 8, 2024, new rules came into effect. Now, most students must apply for a new study permit before they’re allowed to change schools. This means you need to wait for IRCC to approve your new permit before you can start studying at your new school.
Temporary exceptions were allowed after the new rule was announced, but those have now ended as of May 1, 2025.
So what does this mean for you? If you’re planning to transfer schools, you now need to plan much earlier. If you change schools without getting a new study permit (if required), you could violate the conditions of your current permit—and that can cause serious problems for your stay in Canada.
There are still a few exceptions for students in special situations, like when their current school shuts down or their program is discontinued. We’ll explain those below.
When Do You Need a New Study Permit to Change Schools?
The rules depend on your current education level and whether you’re changing programs or schools. Here’s a quick guide:
| Scenario | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Changing DLIs at the post-secondary level | You must apply for a new study permit by applying to extend your current one. |
| Changing programs within the same DLI at post-secondary | You can continue studying with your current study permit, but you must still follow all the conditions listed on it. If you’re extending the permit, you may need a new PAL or TAL. |
| Changed DLIs before November 8, 2024 | You can keep studying at the new DLI with your current permit if you still meet its conditions. |
| Wanting to change DLIs again after changing before Nov 8, 2024 | You must apply for a new study permit by extending your current one. |
| Moving from primary to secondary school levels | You don’t need to update your permit if it’s still valid—unless there are specific conditions that stop you from doing so. |
| Changing DLIs within primary or secondary levels | Again, you don’t need to update your permit if it’s still valid—unless restricted by conditions. |
| Moving from secondary to post-secondary levels | You must apply for a new study permit to study at the post-secondary level. |
| Finishing secondary school early | Your study permit will expire 90 days after you finish, even if it says a later expiry date. |
| Moving from post-secondary to secondary school levels | You must apply for a new study permit to study at a lower level. |
When Should You Apply to Extend Your Study Permit?
If you’re planning to change schools and need a new study permit, apply as early as possible. IRCC processing times can be long, and you don’t want to risk delays.
At the very latest, you must apply at least 30 days before your current study permit expires.
There are two important things to know:
- If you finish your studies earlier than expected, your permit expires 90 days after your last class, or on the original expiry date—whichever comes first.
- If you finish your studies later than expected, apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before it expires.
Also, your passport must be valid long enough to cover your extended study permit. Don’t forget to check your passport expiry date!
If you apply before your current permit expires, you can continue studying while waiting for a decision—but only if you stay inside Canada.
What Documents Do You Need to Extend Your Study Permit?
When applying to change or extend your study permit (because you’re switching schools), you’ll need to include:
- The application form (IMM 5709)
- Copies of your passport pages
- Your current study permit
- Proof of acceptance at your new school (DLI)
- Proof of financial support while in Canada
- Proof of academic standing (like grades or transcripts)
You’ll also need to include:
- A letter explaining why you’re changing schools
- A valid PAL or TAL (unless you’re exempt)
If you’re allowed to study at your new DLI before receiving your new permit (see next section), include documents that prove you meet the conditions to do so.
You can check the IRCC document checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Who Can Change Schools Before Their New Study Permit Is Approved?
Only a small group of students can start studying at a new school before their new permit is approved. You must meet all of the following conditions:
- You’ve stayed in Canada since receiving your acceptance letter from the new DLI.
- You continue to follow the conditions of your old study permit.
- You left your old school for one of these reasons:
- The school closed
- The program was cancelled
- The school was suspended
- The school lost its DLI status
If you don’t meet these conditions, you must wait for your new study permit to be approved before starting classes at the new school.
Can I still change schools without getting a new study permit?
Only in certain cases. For example, if you’re changing programs within the same school or switching between primary and secondary levels—and your current permit is valid—you may not need a new one.
What happens if I change schools without a new permit (if required)?
You could be violating the conditions of your study permit. This could lead to serious immigration issues, including future refusal of visas or permits.
What if my school closes or loses its DLI status?
In this case, you may be allowed to switch to a new school and start studying without waiting for a new permit, as long as you meet the conditions explained above.
What is a PAL or TAL?
PAL stands for Provincial Attestation Letter and TAL stands for Territorial Attestation Letter. These documents confirm that a province or territory supports your studies and that your application fits within their limits.
Can I travel outside Canada while waiting for my new permit?
No. If you leave Canada while your study permit extension is being processed, you lose the right to keep studying under the old permit when you return.
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.
Credit: CIC News