IRCC’s New Process For International Students Changing Designated Learning Institution

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined a new process for international students wishing to change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

The process requires students to apply for a new study permit extension before changing schools. This follows the November 8 announcement, which ended the previous process of notifying IRCC online. These changes reflect broader efforts to ensure compliance, enhance accountability, and address challenges within Canada’s international education system.

The updated process places greater responsibility on students to meet study permit conditions and on institutions to provide accurate reporting.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the new rules and what international students need to know.

On This Page You Will Find:

• Key Changes for International Students – Overview of the new DLI transfer rules effective November 8, 2024.
• How the New DLI Transfer Process Works – Step-by-step details for eligibility, application, and documentation.
• Starting Studies at Your New DLI – Conditions to meet before beginning studies at a new institution.
• Special Rules for Quebec Transfers – Additional requirements for students transferring within Quebec.
• Implications of Non-Compliance – Consequences of not following the new process.
• Further Changes to International Student Program in 2024 – Broader updates, including financial requirements and PGWP changes.
• Why These Changes Matter – The purpose behind the policy updates.
• Next Steps for International Students – A guide to successfully transferring to a new DLI.

Key Changes for International Students

As of November 8, 2024:

1. Students must apply for a study permit extension before transferring to a new DLI.
2. The new school must be on the DLI list and not on the suspension list.
3. Students must provide supporting documents, including a letter of explanation for the transfer.

These measures are part of Canada’s efforts to ensure the integrity of its international student program and prevent unauthorized study.

How the New DLI Transfer Process Works

1. Eligibility Check

Before initiating a transfer, students must confirm that:

• Their new institution is on the official DLI list.
• The new institution is not on the suspension list of schools restricted from hosting international students.

Students in co-op programs must also apply for a new co-op work permit if transferring to a co-op program at a new institution.

2. Submitting a Study Permit Extension Application

Students must submit an application to extend their study permit to IRCC. The application must include:

• A letter of explanation detailing why they are transferring schools.
• Additional documents proving eligibility to begin studies at the new DLI while waiting for IRCC approval, if applicable.

If a study permit application is already in progress, students can submit the updated documents through the IRCC web form.

Starting Studies at Your New DLI: Conditions to Meet

Students can only start studying at the new DLI under specific conditions:

1. They have remained in Canada since receiving their Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new institution.
2. They continue to meet all conditions of their current study permit.
3. Their previous DLI experienced one of the following situations:
   • The school closed.
   • The program or course was discontinued.
   • The institution was placed on the suspension list.
   • The institution lost its designated status.

If these conditions are not met, students must wait for IRCC to approve their new study permit extension before transferring.

Winter and Spring 2025 Transfers

Students accepted to a new DLI for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester may begin studying at the new institution while their study permit extension is being processed, provided:

• Their study permit remains valid.
• The study permit does not include the name of the previous DLI.
• They meet all existing study permit conditions.
• An application for a study permit extension has been submitted.

Special Rules for Quebec Transfers

Students transferring to a DLI in Quebec must meet additional requirements:

• Obtain an attestation of issuance for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
• Include the CAQ with their study permit extension application.

Students transferring between vocational training centres (VTCs) within Quebec do not need to apply for a new CAQ or study permit.

Implications of Non-Compliance

Failure to follow the new process can lead to severe consequences. If students change DLIs without applying for a new study permit extension:

• Their previous DLI will report them as not enrolled or registered.
• They risk violating the conditions of their study permit.
• Their study permit may be invalidated or cancelled.
• They may face removal from Canada or be barred from obtaining future study or work permits.

These measures reflect the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the international student system and ensuring transparency in reporting.

Further Changes to International Student Program in 2024

The updated DLI transfer process is just one part of broader changes to Canada’s international student program this year. In response to growing concerns over capacity, student support, and institutional accountability, the following additional measures have been introduced:

1. Cap on International Student Permits: Canada has introduced regional caps on study permits to better manage student intake and alleviate pressure on housing and infrastructure.
2. Increased Financial Requirements: International students must now demonstrate higher financial capacity to ensure they can afford living expenses, tuition, and additional costs while studying in Canada.
3. Enhanced Oversight of DLIs: Institutions must meet stricter criteria to retain their DLI designation, including proving they provide adequate student support and meet quality education standards.
4. Strengthened Compliance Checks: Regular audits and compliance checks are being conducted to ensure international students meet their study permit conditions.
5. Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Updates: Changes to PGWP eligibility have been introduced, tying access to post-graduate work permits to specific programs and institutions.

These measures reflect Canada’s commitment to balancing the benefits of international education with the need for sustainable growth and student success.

Why These Changes Matter

Canada has seen a significant increase in international student numbers, which has placed pressure on institutions and the immigration system. The new process aims to:

• Strengthen oversight of DLIs and international students.
• Prevent students from studying without proper authorization.
• Ensure institutions provide quality education and comply with regulations.

By requiring a new study permit extension, Canada is closing gaps in the previous system and reinforcing its reputation as a world-class destination for education.

Next Steps for International Students

If you are considering transferring to a new DLI, follow these steps:

1. Verify the new institution is on the DLI list and not suspended.
2. Apply for a study permit extension before changing schools.
3. Submit required documents, including a letter explaining your transfer.
4. Confirm eligibility to begin studies while waiting for approval, if applicable.
5. Avoid starting studies at the new DLI until IRCC requirements are fully met.

By adhering to these new rules, students can successfully transfer schools without jeopardizing their study permit status.

Significant Shift For International Students

The recent changes to Canada’s international student program mark a significant shift in how DLIs and study permits are managed. Requiring a study permit extension for DLI transfers reflects Canada’s commitment to transparency, compliance, and quality in international education. Students must remain informed and carefully plan their transfers to avoid negative consequences.

As Canada continues to refine its international student policies, staying compliant with the new DLI transfer process will be crucial for all post-secondary international students.

Frequently Asked Questions