As of November 2024, most international students in Canada must now obtain a new study permit before transferring to another Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Previously, students were allowed to switch schools under the same study permit by simply updating their DLI information in their IRCC online account.
Effective November 8, 2024, the Canadian government introduced new regulations requiring most international students to apply for and receive a new study permit before transferring to another school.
Interim measures were implemented at the time of the announcement but expired on May 1, 2025.
As a result, international students must now wait for approval of a new study permit before switching institutions. Those planning to transfer schools should prepare well in advance to avoid violating the conditions of their current permit.
In certain exceptional cases, some students facing extenuating circumstances may still be permitted to transfer schools before receiving a decision on their new study permit application.
This article will outline:
- The situations in which a new study permit is required when changing schools in Canada;
- The documentation needed to apply for a new study permit; and
- The categories of students who may begin studies at their new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) while awaiting a decision on their permit application.
How to Transfer Schools as an International Student in Canada
Students who need a new study permit to transfer schools must apply by submitting an extension of their current permit.
The process for transferring schools—and whether a new study permit is required—depends on the level of study the 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. |
| Changing DLIs within primary or secondary 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. |
Study Permit Extensions: When Are They Required?
Due to potential delays in gathering required documents and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processing times, students who need a study permit extension in order to transfer schools are strongly advised to apply as early as possible.
Key deadlines to keep in mind:
- You must apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires.
- If you complete your studies earlier than expected, your study permit will expire on the earlier of:
- The expiry date listed on your permit, or
- 90 days after you complete your studies.
- The expiry date listed on your permit, or
- If you complete your studies later than expected, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your original permit expiry date.
Important notes:
- A study permit can only be extended up to the validity of your passport. Be sure your passport will remain valid throughout the extension period.
- If you apply for an extension before your current permit expires, you may continue studying in Canada under the same conditions while IRCC processes your application. However, you must remain in Canada during this time.
Documents Needed to Extend Your Study Permit in Canada
To apply for a study permit extension or to change the conditions of your current study permit, you must include the following documents:
- The completed application form (IMM 5709)
- Photocopies of relevant passport pages
- A copy of your current study permit or other immigration document
- Proof of acceptance from your new Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Proof of financial support while studying in Canada
- Proof of academic standing at your current or previous institution
Note: Additional documents may be required depending on your specific situation. Refer to IRCC’s document checklist for a full list tailored to your circumstances.
If you are submitting the application in order to transfer schools, you must also include:
- A letter explaining your reason for changing schools
- A valid and up-to-date Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), unless you qualify for an exemption
If you meet IRCC’s criteria to begin studying at your new DLI before receiving a decision on your permit extension, your application must also include documentation that shows how you meet those specific conditions (outlined in the following section).
Eligibility to Change Schools Before Study Permit Extension Decision
You may only begin studying at your new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before receiving a decision on your study permit extension application if all of the following conditions are met:
- You have remained in Canada since receiving your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new DLI.
- You continue to comply with the conditions of your existing study permit.
- Before completing your program at your previous DLI, one of the following events occurred:
- The institution closed;
- Your course or program of study was discontinued;
- The institution was placed on the suspension list; or
- The institution lost its designated status.
- The institution closed;
