Switching Schools in Canada? IRCC Clarifies What That Means for Your Study Permit

IRCC updated its internal Program Delivery Instruction (PDI) to clarify how officers should assess compliance when students change designated learning institutions (DLIs). Although the underlying rules remain the same, the update gives officers clearer direction on what to do when students haven’t followed the process correctly.

Key Takeaways

• If your study permit names your school, you must apply for a new one before switching to a different institution
• Changing schools without a new study permit renders your current permit invalid immediately
• Different rules apply to older permits that don’t name a DLI, but you should still apply for a new one when changing schools
• Secondary students moving to post-secondary programs must apply for a new study permit before starting

Since November 2024, study permits issued to post-secondary students in Canada name the specific school the student is authorized to attend. Students whose permit names a DLI must apply for a new study permit if they want to transfer to a different institution.

IRCC recently updated its instructions on how officers should handle cases where students on a study permit switch designated learning institutions in Canada.

If Your Study Permit Names Your School

If your study permit names a DLI and you transfer to a different school without first getting a new study permit, your permit becomes invalid the day you’re no longer enrolled at the institution named on it.

From that point, you’re considered to be studying without authorization at your new school. That can lead to serious consequences, including an exclusion order and possibly a negative impact on future applications (such as a six-month bar on being issued a new study or work permit).

You cannot start at a new school and sort out the paperwork afterward. However, you remain authorized to study while a new study permit application is in process only if you applied before leaving your original institution.

If Your Study Permit Doesn’t Name a DLI

Some students are still in Canada on study permits issued before November 8, 2024, which don’t list a specific school on the permit itself. Different rules apply to holders of such study permits.

If you switched schools without applying for a new permit, and your permit doesn’t name a DLI, an officer cannot find you non-compliant with the condition to remain enrolled at the named institution — because your permit doesn’t name one. Your permit also won’t become invalid for the same reason.

That said, IRCC’s guidance is clear that you should still apply for a new study permit when changing schools.

As of November 1, 2024, students can no longer update their DLI through their online IRCC account. Applying for a new permit ensures your new school appears on your documents and that your institution can complete its student compliance reporting accurately. Once your current permit expires, any new one issued will name your DLI.

Secondary to Post-Secondary Transitions

If you’re in Canada on a secondary-level study permit and planning to start a post-secondary program, you need a new study permit before you begin. This new study permit will name your new post-secondary institution. You cannot use your secondary permit to start post-secondary studies and apply for a new one after starting your program.

The same applies if you’re attending secondary school on a visitor record. You must wait for your study permit application to be approved before starting at the post-secondary level.

In all cases, if your application is refused, you must stop studying immediately.

What To Do Next

If you’re planning a school transfer, apply for a new study permit first, receive a decision, then make the switch.

If you’ve already changed schools and aren’t sure whether your current permit is still valid, speak with a regulated immigration consultant. An invalid permit can affect future study and work permit applications, and the sooner you address it, the more options you’re likely to have.

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