Can International Students Change Schools in Canada?

Yes, international students can change schools in Canada, but the process is different from simply transferring between schools.

Since November 8, 2024, international students at the post-secondary level generally cannot change their designated learning institution (DLI) using the same study permit. If you want to change schools, you generally need to apply for a study permit extension for your new DLI before making the change.

Understanding the rules before transferring can help you avoid violating your study permit conditions or creating problems with your immigration status.

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What Is a DLI?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a Canadian school authorized by a province or territory to host international students.

Your study permit identifies the DLI where you are authorized to study. International students must remain enrolled at a DLI and actively pursue their studies while in Canada.

Before changing schools, check that your proposed institution is currently on Canada’s official DLI list.

Can You Change Colleges or Universities in Canada?

Yes. However, the procedure depends on your situation.

For a post-secondary student already in Canada who wants to move to another DLI, the usual process is to:

Apply and receive admission from the new DLI.
Obtain a new Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
Check whether you need a new PAL/TAL.
Apply to extend your study permit for the new DLI.
Follow IRCC’s instructions about when you can begin studying at the new institution.

IRCC says that, as of January 22, 2025, students changing schools generally need a new PAL/TAL unless they qualify for an exemption.

Do You Need a New Study Permit to Change Schools?

In most post-secondary cases, yes.

If your current study permit is valid and you want to change to another post-secondary DLI, you must apply for a study permit extension for the new institution. The new school must also be a DLI.

This is an important difference from the old process, where students could generally change DLIs through their IRCC account without applying for a new study permit.

Can You Start at the New School While Waiting for Approval?

Usually, you should not start studying at the new school until your new study permit is approved.

There are limited exceptions.

For example, IRCC allows some students to begin at their new DLI while their extension application is being processed if their previous school closed, discontinued their program, was placed on the suspension list or lost its designated status, and the student meets the other specified conditions.

Don’t assume that submitting the application automatically gives you permission to begin at the new institution.

What Documents Do You Need?

When applying to change schools, you may need:

A new Letter of Acceptance
A letter explaining why you are changing schools
A new PAL/TAL, unless exempt
Your current study permit
Proof of identity
Financial documents where required
Other documents requested by IRCC

IRCC specifically requires a letter explaining the reason for the school change and, in applicable cases, a new PAL/TAL.

What If You Change Schools Without Telling IRCC?

This is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid.

If your previous school reports that you are no longer registered, IRCC may consider you to be breaking the conditions of your study permit.

Consequences can include your study permit becoming invalid, cancellation of the permit, being asked to leave Canada or difficulties obtaining future Canadian study or work permits.

Never simply stop attending your current school and start at another institution without following the immigration process.

What If You Change Schools Before Coming to Canada?

The process is different if your study permit has already been approved but you have not yet travelled to Canada.

If you change your DLI after your study permit has been approved, IRCC says you must submit a new study permit application with a new Letter of Acceptance and pay the applicable fees again.

This is particularly important for students who receive admission from a different institution after their original study permit has already been approved.

Don’t simply arrive in Canada with an approval based on School A and expect to begin studying at School B.

What If Your Study Permit Application Is Still Being Processed?

If your study permit application has not yet been finalized and you decide to change schools, you can tell IRCC about the change.

IRCC allows applicants to submit a new Letter of Acceptance and, where required, a PAL/TAL through the IRCC web form.

Make sure the information in your application accurately reflects the institution you actually intend to attend.

What If You Are Changing Programs at the Same School?

Changing your program is not necessarily the same as changing your DLI.

IRCC has separate rules for changing programs or levels of study at the same institution. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to continue using your current study permit, although you may need to extend it or provide additional documentation.

Before making a major program change, check your specific situation rather than assuming the rules for changing schools apply.

What About Changing Schools in Quebec?

Quebec has additional immigration requirements.

In many situations, students moving to a school in Quebec need an appropriate Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)in addition to meeting federal study permit requirements. There are specific exceptions and rules depending on the type of school and program.

If you are already studying in Quebec and want to change institutions, check the current Quebec requirements before making the transfer.

What If Your School Loses Its DLI Status?

Sometimes a student doesn’t choose to change schools—the institution itself may lose its designated status.

IRCC provides specific measures for students whose DLI loses its designation or is placed on the suspension list.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to continue your existing studies until your current permit expires or transfer to another DLI. If you need to extend your study permit, you generally need to attend a school that has DLI status.

Does Changing Schools Affect Your PGWP?

It can be important to consider Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility before transferring.

PGWP eligibility depends on several factors, including the institution, program, timing of the study permit application and, for certain programs, field-of-study requirements. IRCC recommends checking whether the DLI and program you choose are eligible before making your plans.

Therefore, don’t choose a new school simply because it offers cheaper tuition or a different location. Check whether the new program supports your long-term education and career objectives.

Reasons International Students May Consider Changing Schools

Students may consider transferring because of:

Program availability
Academic difficulties
A change in career goals
Location
Tuition costs
Family circumstances
Housing problems
School closure or program cancellation
Better academic opportunities

Whatever the reason, make sure your decision is compatible with your immigration status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting at the new school too early

Submitting an application does not automatically mean you can begin at another DLI.

2. Choosing a school without checking DLI status

Always verify the new institution’s current designation.

3. Forgetting the PAL/TAL

A new PAL/TAL may be required when changing schools.

4. Ignoring PGWP eligibility

Check the specific program, not just the school’s general reputation.

5. Stopping your current studies without a plan

Remain compliant with your current study permit until you are legally able to make the transition.

6. Changing schools without notifying IRCC

This can create serious immigration consequences.

Canada School-Change Checklist

Before transferring, ask yourself:

Have I been accepted by the new DLI?
Is the new institution on the official DLI list?
Have I received a new LOA?
Do I need a new PAL/TAL?
Have I checked PGWP eligibility?
Do I need to extend my study permit?
Have I submitted the correct application?
Can I legally begin studying at the new institution yet?
Have I maintained my current student status?
If moving to Quebec, have I checked CAQ requirements?

Final Thoughts

International students can change schools in Canada, but changing institutions requires careful attention to immigration rules.

For most post-secondary students, the key principle is simple: don’t treat a school transfer as an ordinary academic transfer. Your DLI is connected to your study permit conditions, so you need to follow the appropriate IRCC process before making the move.

Check the new school’s DLI status, obtain the necessary admission documents, determine whether you need a new PAL/TAL and study permit extension, and confirm when you are legally allowed to begin at the new institution.

If you’re planning your Canadian education journey:

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