International students in Canada will now have a harder time changing schools
Most international students in Canada will now require a new study permit in hand before being allowed to transfer schools.
Prior to November of 2024, international students could enrol at a new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) on their existing study permit, needing only to notify IRCC by updating the institution in their IRCC online account.
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Starting on 8 November 2024, the government instituted new rules which would require most international students to apply for and obtain a new study permit before being allowed to change schools.
At the time of that announcement, the government put in place interim measures, which expired as of May 1, 2025.
Now, the majority of international students who wish to transfer schools must obtain a new study permit and wait for a decision on their application before doing so. Students who wish to change schools must now plan well in advance, or risk being in violation of the conditions of their study permit.
Some students in extenuating circumstances will continue to be able to transfer schools before a decision has been made on their study permit extension application.
This article will cover
- Which scenarios require a new study permit when transferring schools in Canada;
- The documents needed to apply for a new study permit; and
- Who may still study at their new DLI before receiving a decision on their new study permit application.
What is the process for transferring schools in Canada?
Students who are required to apply for a new study permit if they transfer schools must do so by applying for an extension of their current study permit.
The process for transferring schools and the requirement to apply for a new study permit vary depending on the level of study that a student is transferring to or within:
| Scenario | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Changing DLIs at the post-secondary level | You must apply for a new study permit by applying to extend your current one. |
| Changing programs within the same DLI at post-secondary | You can continue studying with your existing study permit as long as you follow all the conditions listed on it. If you need to extend your current study permit’s validity, a new PAL or TAL may be required. |
| Changed DLIs before November 8, 2024 | You may continue studying at your new DLI with your current study permit if you still meet all the conditions on your study permit. |
| Wanting to change DLIs again after changing before Nov 8, 2024 | You will need to apply for a new study permit by applying to extend your current one. |
| Moving from primary to secondary school levels | You do not need to update or extend your study permit if it is still valid, unless it includes conditions that prevent you from doing so. |
| Changing DLIs within primary or secondary levels | You do not need to update or extend your study permit if it is still valid, unless it includes conditions that prevent you from doing so. |
| Moving from secondary to post-secondary school levels | You must apply for a new study permit by extending your current one in order to attend a post-secondary institution. |
| Finishing secondary school early | Your study permit will become invalid 90 days after you complete your studies, even if the expiry date on the permit is later. |
| Moving from post-secondary to secondary school levels | You must apply for a new study permit by extending your current one to study at the secondary level after attending a post-secondary institution. |
When am I required to apply for a study permit extension?
Due to wait times around required documentation, as well as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processing times, students are encouraged to apply for a study permit extension as soon as possible, if they know that they are required to do so to transfer schools.
At the latest, students must apply for an extension at least 30 days before the expiry of their current study permit.
If you finish your studies earlier than expected, your study permit will expire on whichever date comes first:
- The date marked on your study permit; or
- 90 days after the day that you completed your studies.
If you finish your studies later than expected, you must apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before the original expiry date.
Study permits can only be extended for the duration of validity of your passport. Students are responsible for ensuring that their passports do not expire at the same time that they apply for their study permit extension.
Students who apply for their study permit extension before the expiry of their current study permit may continue to study in Canada under the conditions of their current study permit, while IRCC processes their application. This is provided that they do not leave Canada during the processing period.
What documents are required for your study permit extension?
To submit an application to extend or change the conditions of your study permit, you must include
- The application form (IMM 5709);
- Photocopies of relevant pages of your passport;
- Photocopies of your current study permit or other immigration document;
- Proof of acceptance at a new DLI;
- Proof of financial support while you are in Canada; and
- Proof of academic standing at educational institutions.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to attach further documentation with your application. You can refer to IRCC’s document checklist to get a better idea of what documents may apply to you.
When submitting this application for the purposes of changing schools, you must include:
- A letter that explains your reason for changing schools; and
- A valid and up-to-date Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL), unless you qualify for an exception.
In addition, if you meet the conditions outlined by IRCC for students who can study at a new DLI before receiving a decision on their study permit extension application (detailed below), you must include documentation in your application attesting to how you meet these conditions.
For more information on the application process, visit IRCC’s application guide.
Who can still transfer schools and begin studying at their new DLI before receiving a decision on their study permit extension application?
You may only begin study at your new DLI before receiving a decision on your extension application if you meet all the following conditions:
- You have stayed in Canada since receiving your letter of acceptance (LOA) from the new DLI,
- You continue to meet the conditions of your previous study permit.
- Before completing your course or program of study at the previous DLI, one of the following situations occurred:
- The institution closed.
- The course or program of study was discontinued.
- The institution was placed on the suspension list; or
- The institution lost its designated status.
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