How to Change Schools as an International Student in Canada

On This Page, You Will Find:

• When you need a new study permit to change schools
• How the rules vary by education level
• What documents you need to change DLIs
• When you can start studying at your new school
• Quebec-specific rules for changing institutions

Understanding the New Rules

International students must study at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) listed on their study permit. Changing schools at the post-secondary level now requires applying to extend your study permit with the updated DLI information.

This rule was put in place on as of November 8, 2024. An interim measure saw it introduced in a measured way until May 1, but that date has now expired.

This change aims to ensure that international students remain in good standing and that schools remain accountable to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Do You Need a New Study Permit?

Here is what you need to know based on your situation:

Primary and Secondary Students

• If your current study permit is valid and has no conditions that limit you, you don’t need to apply for a new one when changing schools or moving between primary and secondary levels.

Moving from Secondary to Post-Secondary

• You must apply for a new study permit by extending your current one.

Moving from Post-Secondary to Secondary

• A new study permit is required if you are switching back to a secondary-level school.

Changing Programs at the Same DLI

• You can continue studying with the same permit. But if you’re applying to extend your permit, you may need a new provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL).

Changing DLIs at the Post-Secondary Level

• You must apply for a study permit extension, even if you changed DLIs before November 8, 2024.

How to Change Your School

To change your DLI, follow these steps:

1. Confirm DLI Status: Make sure your new school is on the list of approved DLIs and not on the suspension list.
2. Gather Documents:
   • Letter of explanation for changing schools
   • New PAL/TAL (mandatory from January 22, 2025, unless exempt)
   • Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new DLI
   • Additional documents if you wish to begin studying before your new permit is approved
3. Apply for a Study Permit Extension: Submit your application to IRCC and upload all required documents.

When You Can Start Studying at Your New School

You can only begin studying at your new DLI while your application is being processed if:

• You stayed in Canada after receiving the LOA,
• You continue to meet the conditions of your current study permit, and
• Your previous DLI was closed, lost its status, or discontinued your program.

If you were accepted to start in Winter or Spring 2025, and meet these same conditions, you may also begin classes before approval.

Special Rules for Quebec

If you are moving to a school in Quebec:

• You need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) or an attestation of its issuance.
• If changing between Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), you do not need a new study permit but must still obtain a new CAQ.

Contact Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) for full guidance.

If You Change Schools Without Notifying IRCC

Failing to follow the new process can result in:

• Study permit cancellation
• Removal from Canada
• Loss of eligibility for future permits

Your previous school will report you as unregistered, which can negatively impact your immigration record.

Frequently Asked Questions