Changing Schools / DLI in Canada

Overview

Changing schools in Canada is no longer a simple “update my DLI” click. IRCC’s Changing your school or program page routes you by situation: new DLI, same DLI with a program or level change, secondary to post-secondary, Quebec, and applications still in progress.

In many post-secondary transfers, IRCC expects you to apply for a new study permit by extending your current one before you start at the new DLI. That is the default path students should plan for—not a guarantee that every scenario requires the same steps. Always confirm your exact path on Canada.ca.

Common situations

Transferring between colleges or universities (same post-secondary level)

Often requires a study permit extension for the new DLI, a letter of acceptance, an explanation letter, and usually a new PAL/TAL (unless exempt). Do not start at the new school until IRCC’s rules for your situation allow it.

Moving from diploma to master’s (or other level change with a new school)

Treat this as a DLI and/or level change. Check both change-schools instructions and PAL/TAL exemption rules (including the public master’s/doctoral exemption from January 1, 2026).

Secondary school to college or university

You generally need a new study permit for post-secondary study. A secondary-level permit does not automatically authorize post-secondary enrolment.

Changing programs at the same DLI

IRCC may allow you to keep studying on your current valid permit if conditions still allow it. You may still need an extension (and sometimes a new PAL/TAL) if you need more time or the change triggers attestation rules.

School closed, suspended, or lost designation

Limited pathways may let you begin at a new DLI while an extension is processing. Document the closure or suspension carefully.

What IRCC generally expects when changing DLIs

When IRCC’s tool says you need to extend your study permit for a new school, typical documents include:

1. Letter of acceptance from the new DLI
2. Letter explaining why you are changing schools
3. New, valid PAL/TAL unless you meet an IRCC-listed exception (new requirement when changing schools as of January 22, 2025)
4. For Quebec: usually a CAQ (rules differ from federal PAL/TAL)

Confirm the new school is on the DLI list.

Starting at the new school while waiting

IRCC allows studying at the new DLI while an extension is in progress only if you meet all of its published criteria, including (among others) that you have not left Canada since receiving the new LOA, you continue to meet previous permit conditions, and your previous DLI closed, discontinued your program, was placed on the suspension list, or lost designation.

If you do not meet those criteria, plan to receive the new permit before finishing at the current school and starting at the new one.

IRCC also advertises faster processing (about 60 days) for certain in-Canada post-secondary DLI-change extensions when you answer the DLI-change question correctly online.

Quebec

Moving to or between schools in Quebec usually involves a CAQ. Vocational training centre changes may have different study-permit vs CAQ steps. Confirm with your school and Quebec’s immigration ministry as well as IRCC.

If you change schools without telling IRCC

IRCC states that your old school will report you as not registered or enrolled. Consequences can include breaking study-permit conditions, your permit becoming invalid or cancelled, being asked to leave or change status, and future refusal risk.

If IRCC emails you from an address ending in @cic.gc.ca asking you to confirm enrolment, follow the instructions by the deadline.

Practical transfer checklist

1. Confirm the new school’s DLI status and PGWP implications if you care about post-graduation work.
2. Get the LOA and (if required) new PAL/TAL or CAQ.
3. Apply for the study permit extension before the new start date.
4. Keep proof of submission and fee payment if you travel while pending.
5. Do not rely on classmates’ older “just update DLI online” advice.

When to get help

Seek a licensed RCIC review if you already started at a new school without a new permit, your old school closed mid-program, you are restoring status while transferring, or PGWP eligibility may be affected by the transfer.

Common mistakes

• Starting at a new DLI before IRCC authorizes that path
• Assuming the old online DLI update still works
• Changing schools without a new PAL/TAL when one is required
• Ignoring secondary-to-post-secondary permit requirements
• Choosing a non-PGWP program without checking IRCC first

Related guides

• Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)
• PAL/TAL Requirements
• Study Permit Requirements
• PGWP Eligibility

This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you transfer.

Before you apply

• Confirmed the new school is on the IRCC DLI list
• Read IRCC’s change-schools page for your exact situation (same level vs level change vs secondary to post-secondary)
• Obtained a new letter of acceptance from the new DLI
• Checked whether you need a new PAL/TAL or CAQ (or exemption proof)
• Prepared a letter explaining why you are changing schools
• Applied to extend / change conditions before starting at the new school (unless IRCC says you may keep studying on the current permit)
• Selected the in-Canada DLI-change question on the online form for faster processing when applicable

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a new study permit to change schools?

Not in every scenario. IRCC’s change-schools tool routes you by situation. Many post-secondary DLI transfers require applying to extend your study permit for the new school before you start. Some same-school program changes and some primary/secondary moves may allow you to continue on a valid permit if conditions still allow it. Follow the live IRCC page for your path.

Can I just update my DLI in my IRCC account?

No. IRCC removed the old online DLI-update feature. Changing schools is handled through a study permit application (typically an extension from inside Canada) when IRCC requires a new permit.

Do I need a new PAL/TAL when I change schools?

Usually yes. IRCC states that as of January 22, 2025, you must get a new valid PAL/TAL before submitting a study permit application when changing schools, unless you meet a listed exemption (for example certain public master’s/doctoral programs from January 1, 2026).

Can I start at the new school while my extension is processing?

Only if you meet all criteria IRCC lists for that option—such as not leaving Canada after the new LOA, continuing to meet previous permit conditions, and your previous DLI closed, discontinued your program, was suspended, or lost designation. Otherwise, get the new permit first.

What if I already changed schools without telling IRCC?

IRCC warns that your old school will report you as not enrolled, you may be breaking permit conditions, and your permit may become invalid. Get licensed advice promptly before the next application.

Is this legal advice?

No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.

See also

• Designated Learning Institutions (DLI)
• PAL/TAL Requirements
• Study Permit Requirements
• PGWP Eligibility

References

1. Changing your school or program
2. Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)
3. Designated learning institutions list
4. Study permit (overview)

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.