Which rule applies to you
| Change | What you need |
|---|---|
| New post-secondary DLI, in Canada | Apply to extend your study permit and get the new permit before you start at the new school. Include the new letter of acceptance, a letter explaining the change and a new PAL/TAL unless exempt. |
| New program at the same post-secondary school and level of study | No new permit if your current permit is still valid and has no condition that prevents the change. If the new program runs past your permit, extend, and you may need a new PAL/TAL. |
| Secondary to post-secondary | If you are at secondary school on a visitor record, you must apply for and receive a study permit before starting post-secondary studies. If you already hold a permit, you may continue to post-secondary studies while a new application is pending, even if the permit says "primary or secondary school". |
| Moving to or within Quebec | Generally a CAQ (attestation of issuance) with the study permit application. Moving between vocational training centres needs a new CAQ but not a new study permit. If you already study in Quebec and want to change institution or level, contact Quebec's immigration ministry (MIFI) first. |
| Outside Canada, permit approved, new school | A new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance and all fees. |
| Application still in progress | Send the new letter of acceptance and PAL/TAL (if needed) through the IRCC web form. |
Moving to a new post-secondary DLI
- Check the new school and programThe new institution must be on IRCC's DLI list. If you want a PGWP, check that the new program is PGWP-eligible and that the combined study time will still meet the rules. Our DLI, PGWP and CIP checker helps.
- Get the new PAL/TALSince January 22, 2025, a new PAL/TAL is required before you submit the application, unless you are exempt (for example, moving into a degree-granting master's or doctoral program at a public DLI).
- Apply to extend before you finish at your current schoolAnswer "Yes" to the online question about changing to a new post-secondary DLI. IRCC states that these extensions are processed in 60 days.
- Wait for approvalGenerally you cannot start at the new school until the new permit is approved.
- Missing documentsIf you already applied without the required documents, send them through the IRCC web form.
The narrow early-start exception
You may start at the new DLI before IRCC decides only if all of these apply:
- you have not left Canada since you received the new DLI's letter of acceptance;
- you still meet the conditions of your current permit; and
- before you finished your program, your old DLI closed, discontinued your program, was placed on the suspension list, or lost its designation.
Include proof of the reason in your application. You may attend a DLI on the suspension list only to complete a program you had already started.
Changing program at the same school
You may start the new program while your extension is pending. If the extension is refused, you must stop studying immediately. Check whether the new program changes your PGWP eligibility (program type, field of study, language level) before you switch.
Risks of changing without telling IRCC
Status
You may be breaking your permit conditions. Your permit may become invalid or be cancelled.
Removal
You may be asked to leave Canada or change your status, and may be barred from future entry.
Future applications
Future study or work permits, including a PGWP, may be refused.
IRCC emails
IRCC may email you from an address ending in "@cic.gc.ca" to confirm your status. Answer by the deadline.
Before you transfer
- Match the detailsInstitution, campus, DLI number, credential and dates on the new letter of acceptance.
- Refund termsRead the deposit and refund terms of both schools.
- PGWP effectsTransfers between DLIs need at least 8 months of study in total; from a non-DLI to a DLI, only the time at the DLI counts.
- WorkYou cannot work on or off campus while switching schools and not studying. Since April 1, 2026, changing schools or placements does not require a new co-op work permit for post-secondary students.
Keep your status
Enrolment and progress
Stay enrolled and make progress in each semester.
Authorized leave
A school-authorized leave, including for changing schools, can last up to 150 days.
Expiry
Your permit ends on the printed date or 90 days after you complete your program, whichever comes first.
Extending
See our guide to extending or restoring for timing and maintained status.
Official sources
- IRCC: Changing schools or programs
- IRCC: When to apply to extend
- IRCC: Provincial or territorial attestation letter
- IRCC: Designated learning institutions list
- IRCC: Study permit conditions
- IRCC: PGWP, who can apply
This page is general information about Canadian immigration law and policy as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Programs, forms and fees change often; check the official sources before you apply.