New Process for Changing Your School or Program in Canada: Key Updates for Post-Secondary Study Permit Holders

Starting November 8, 2024, the process for changing schools or programs as a post-secondary study permit holder in Canada will change. Under the new rules, you must be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) listed on your study permit. This means that simply notifying the authorities through your online account will no longer suffice. Instead, you will need to apply for a new study permit to extend your current one if you wish to change institutions.

Key Changes Based on Your Situation

Depending on your level of study, here’s what you need to do when changing schools:

• Moving from Primary to Secondary Levels: If your study permit is still valid and doesn’t have any limiting conditions, you do not need to apply for an extension.
• Changing DLIs within Primary or Secondary Levels: You don’t need to apply for an extension, as long as your current permit is valid and free from restrictions.
• Moving from Secondary to Post-Secondary Levels: To attend a post-secondary institution, you will need to apply for a study permit extension.
Important Note: If you complete your secondary school studies early, your study permit will no longer be valid 90 days after you finish, regardless of the expiry date listed on your permit.
• Moving from Post-Secondary to Secondary Levels: A new study permit application is required if you wish to attend a secondary school after being enrolled in post-secondary education.
• Changing Schools within Post-Secondary Levels: If you are staying within the same DLI, you can continue your studies without applying for a new study permit, provided you meet the conditions of your current permit.
• Changing DLIs at the Post-Secondary Level: Starting November 8, 2024, you will need to apply for a study permit extension to change your DLI.

How to Change Your School as a Post-Secondary Student

If you are already in the process of applying for a study permit and wish to change your DLI, you can update your application by submitting a new letter of acceptance and, if necessary, a provincial or territorial attestation letter via the IRCC web form.

Changing Your DLI from Outside Canada: If you have been approved for a study permit and change your DLI, you must submit a new application with an updated letter of acceptance and pay the applicable fees.

Documents You Need

When applying for a study permit extension, you will need to include:

• A letter explaining why you are changing schools
• Documents supporting your eligibility for studying at the new DLI while your application is pending

If your current application is still in progress, submit the documents through the IRCC web form.

When Can You Start Studying at Your New DLI?

You can begin studying at your new DLI while your study permit extension is under review if:

• You have stayed in Canada since receiving the new DLI’s letter of acceptance.
• You continue to meet the conditions of your original study permit.
• Your previous DLI has closed, discontinued your program, been placed on the suspension list, or lost its designated status.

If these conditions aren’t met, you must wait until your study permit extension is approved before starting at your new DLI.

Special Considerations for Winter/Spring 2025 Semester

For those accepted to a new DLI for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester, you can begin your studies at the new institution if:

• You’ve applied for a study permit extension.
• Your current study permit is valid and doesn’t list the new DLI.
• You meet all other conditions of your current study permit.

Changing Schools Without Notifying Authorities

Failing to inform authorities about your change of school can have serious consequences:

• You will be in violation of your study permit’s conditions.
• Your study permit may become invalid, and you may be asked to leave the country or change your status.
• This can affect future applications for study or work permits.

Changing DLIs in Quebec

If you are moving to a school in Quebec, you may need to submit a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) along with your study permit application, with a few exceptions for vocational training centres (VTCs). If you are already studying in Quebec and want to change your institution, program, or level of study, contact the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration for guidance.

This new process highlights the importance of staying informed about your study permit conditions and following the necessary steps when changing institutions to ensure compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.