Changing DLI in Canada usually means applying for and obtaining a new study permit before starting at a different post-secondary institution. An offer from your new school does not, by itself, authorise the transfer.
The steps depend on whether you are already studying in Canada, waiting for a permit decision or changing plans after approval. Changing programs within the same institution can also follow different rules.
A designated learning institution, or DLI, is a school approved to host international students.
For most post-secondary school changes, you must apply for a new study permit through the extension process. Simply updating a school number in your account is no longer enough.
Check the new institution, required documents and permitted start date before transferring.
A school transfer has both academic and immigration consequences. You may have admission and transferred credits arranged while still needing permission to study at the new institution.
Before committing to a start date, compare the school’s deadlines with the immigration steps. Ask about deferral and refund terms so you know your options if approval takes longer than expected.
Start by identifying what is actually changing:
This guide focuses mainly on post-secondary transfers. Primary and secondary school changes, joint programs and other special situations need a separate check.
Confirm the institution and campus on IRCC’s current DLI list. Record the correct DLI number for your application.
If working after graduation is part of your plan, check the specific program’s post-graduation work permit eligibility too. Being listed as a DLI does not mean every program qualifies for a PGWP.
Also check whether the institution is subject to a suspension that affects new admissions. Do not rely solely on a school’s marketing material or another student’s experience.
Before changing schools, you must continue meeting your existing study permit conditions, including applicable enrolment and active-study requirements.
Follow the personalised checklist generated for your application. Depending on your circumstances, prepare:
Gather your supporting evidence before completing the application. Check that the school, program and dates agree across the documents.
Use a clear letter to explain your school change. Describe why you are transferring, what you will study and how the move fits your education plans.
For example, if your reason is access to a particular specialisation, explain that connection directly. Keep the account factual and consistent with your admission documents.
A school change generally requires a new PAL or TAL for the related study permit application, unless an exemption applies. Arrange it before submitting.
One important exemption covers applicants to degree-granting master’s or doctoral programs at public DLIs under the rules effective January 1, 2026.
Do not assume that an exemption from your previous application carries over. Your new program and institution determine which rules apply now.
Similarly, the exemption for extending at the same DLI and study level should not be treated as permission to transfer to another institution without an attestation.
For an in-Canada post-secondary transfer, use the study permit extension process through the IRCC secure account.
IRCC verifies post-secondary admission or enrolment letters with institutions. If the school does not validate the letter by the deadline, IRCC can return the application.
Check that your new school can complete this verification. Submitting an application is a step in the transfer process, not automatic permission to begin classes.
Normally, wait until you have the new study permit.
A narrow exception permits starting while the extension application is pending if you have remained in Canada since receiving the new acceptance letter, continue meeting your previous permit’s conditions, and your former DLI, before you completed the program:
You must meet all the applicable criteria and provide evidence. Preferring another course or city does not qualify by itself.
If you do not qualify, discuss deferring admission rather than assuming the school’s start date creates permission to study.
Maintained status can allow you to remain in Canada after a timely extension application. Continuing study under that protection is subject to the conditions of your existing permit.
It does not automatically authorise studying at a different DLI. Check the transfer rules separately.
Travel can also affect what you are allowed to do while an application is pending. Review your position before leaving Canada.
Changing programs at your current DLI is different from changing institutions.
You can generally continue with a valid permit if you meet its conditions. If the new program requires more time, apply for an extension before your authorisation ends.
A change in study level may also affect the attestation requirement. For example, moving from a bachelor’s program to a qualifying public-institution master’s degree differs from moving into another undergraduate program.
Confirm whether the change involves the same DLI number. A familiar campus or related school name does not necessarily settle that question.
If your study permit application is still being processed, use the IRCC web form to submit the new acceptance letter and any required attestation.
If you are outside Canada and your application has already been approved, changing schools requires a new study permit application, a new acceptance letter and payment of the application fees.
Do not travel expecting to replace the approved institution informally on arrival. Confirm the correct process before departure.
If you will be studying in Quebec, check whether you need a CAQ issuance attestation as well as the federal permit.
Quebec generally requires a new temporary selection application when you change institutions. Limited exceptions include certain valid CAQs issued before December 6, 2024, where the study level stays the same.
Check the current provincial instructions against your document. Quebec also has specific arrangements for transfers between vocational training centres, so do not apply the usual post-secondary transfer process without checking the classification of your studies.
As checked in October 2026:
School deposits, translations and other expenses are additional.
IRCC currently advertises 60-day processing for qualifying in-Canada post-secondary DLI-change extension applications when applicants follow its online instructions. Identify the school change in the application as directed. Use this as published processing guidance, rather than a guaranteed start date.
Check your existing permit’s expiry and the rules that can end its validity earlier. Completing studies can cause a permit to stop being valid 90 days after completion, even if the printed expiry date is later.
Apply early enough to manage both the immigration decision and your new institution’s deadlines.
Before transferring, confirm three things: the correct institution, the required immigration application and the date you are authorised to begin.
These guides explain the connected documents and status requirements:
For most post-secondary institution changes, yes. Apply through the extension process and obtain the new permit before starting, unless you meet a specific exception.
Often, if you remain at the same DLI and comply with your valid permit’s conditions. You may need an extension if the new program requires more time.
Normally, no. The exception is limited to specified circumstances involving your former institution or program, and you must meet all the criteria.
Generally, yes, unless exempt. Staying in the same province does not itself remove the requirement.
A transfer does not settle eligibility by itself. Check the new institution, specific program and all applicable PGWP requirements before deciding.
Changing DLI in Canada requires careful coordination between school admission and immigration authorisation. For most post-secondary transfers, a new study permit, suitable admission documents and any required provincial attestation are central to the process.
Before transferring, check your permit conditions, the new institution’s eligibility and when you are allowed to begin studying there. Since immigration requirements and procedures can change, always check the latest guidance on the official Government of Canada website.
If you need support checking the requirements for changing institutions or preparing your Canadian study permit application, book a consultation with Canada GMC.
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