Effective November 8, 2024, international students must obtain approval before changing post-secondary schools in Canada. Understanding these requirements is essential to maintain your legal status and avoid study interruptions.

Choose your college and program carefully before arriving in Canada to avoid transfer complications.

What Changed on November 8, 2024

New Study Permit Amendment Required

Students changing between post-secondary DLIs must now apply to amend their study permit before starting at the new school. This applies even if your current permit has not expired.

The process:

  1. Receive Letter of Acceptance from new DLI

  2. Apply to amend your study permit through IRCC

  3. Wait for approval (in most cases)

  4. Update your DLI information in your IRCC account

  5. Begin studies at new institution

Who Is Affected

Applies to transfers between:

  • Universities

  • Colleges

  • CEGEPs

  • Other post-secondary institutions

Does NOT apply to:

  • Primary and secondary (K-12) students

  • Students changing programs at the same institution

  • Students meeting specific exceptions (outlined below)

Exception: Starting Before Approval

You may begin at your new DLI before receiving permit approval only if ALL these conditions are met:

  1. You received your new Letter of Acceptance after November 8, 2024

  2. You have remained in Canada continuously since receiving it

  3. Your current study permit remains valid

  4. One of these applies:

    • Your previous DLI closed permanently

    • Your program was discontinued

    • Your DLI's designation was suspended or revoked

    • You were suspended due to circumstances beyond your control

If you don't meet all conditions, you must wait for approval before attending classes.

Application Requirements

Documents Typically Required

  • New Letter of Acceptance with valid DLI number

  • Proof of sufficient funds

  • Written explanation for school change

  • Current study permit copy

  • Valid passport

  • Transcripts or enrollment confirmation from current institution

Processing Considerations

  • Apply immediately upon receiving your Letter of Acceptance

  • Check current IRCC processing times for study permit amendments from within Canada

  • Consider deferring to the next intake if processing times exceed your start date

  • Maintain enrollment at your current institution until approval

Ontario Public Colleges: Additional Considerations

When transferring between Ontario public colleges, institutional policies may require:

  • Completion of at least one semester at your current college before transferring

  • First-semester transcripts for transfer applications

  • Case-by-case review by admissions offices

Maintaining Compliance

While Your Application Processes

  • Continue attending your current institution full-time

  • Meet all study permit conditions

  • Keep your study permit valid (apply for extension if nearing expiry)

  • Maintain health insurance

  • Update your address with IRCC

Document Everything

Keep records of:

  • Both institutions' correspondence

  • IRCC application materials and receipts

  • Letters of Acceptance and transcripts

  • Explanation for your school change

Risks of Non-Compliance

Starting at a new DLI without approval (when exceptions don't apply) can result in:

  • Study permit revocation

  • Deportation from Canada

  • Loss of Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility

  • Bars on future Canadian immigration applications

Common Questions

Can I change programs at the same DLI?

Yes, without a new study permit, but update your IRCC account.

What if my DLI loses its designation?

You may transfer without penalty under the exceptions.

Do I apply from within Canada?

Yes, apply through your IRCC online account from within Canada.

Can I work while waiting for approval?

Yes, if you hold a valid study permit and meet off-campus work conditions.

Why Avoid Transfers When Possible

Immigration: Additional processing fees, waiting periods, and risk of refusal

Academic: Credits may not transfer, potential course repetition, program extension

Financial: Lost deposits, application fees, extended living costs

Timeline: Processing delays can mean missing entire intake periods

When to Seek Professional Help

Consult an immigration professional if:

  • Your school lost its DLI status

  • You've started at a new school without approval

  • Your transfer application was refused

  • You have compliance issues or complex circumstances

Key Takeaways

  1. New amendment required - Post-secondary school changes now require study permit amendment approval

  2. Limited exceptions - Starting before approval only allowed when DLI closes, program discontinued, or designation revoked

  3. Apply early - Submit your amendment as soon as you receive your new Letter of Acceptance

  4. Ontario colleges - Check institutional transfer policies; one semester completion often required

  5. Maintain status - Continue full-time studies at current institution until you receive approval

  6. Choose wisely - The best strategy is selecting the right program initially to avoid transfer complications

Understanding these requirements ensures you maintain valid immigration status while pursuing your educational goals in Canada. When in doubt, seek professional advice before making study plan changes.