Your study permit is tied to the institution named on it. Under current rules, most post-secondary students who want to move to a different Designated Learning Institution must apply for a new study permit before starting at the new school, rather than simply updating IRCC through the online account as was once the case. Studying at a DLI other than the one on your permit without the correct authorization is a breach of conditions, and it can lead to a refusal at your next extension, a loss of post-graduation work permit eligibility, or an inadmissibility finding. The rules and exemptions in this area have changed several times, so we confirm the requirement that applies to your situation before you accept the new offer.
Changing programs or levels within the same institution is usually simpler, but not always without consequences. Moving from a program that leads to a post-graduation work permit to one that does not, dropping from full-time to part-time, or shifting between levels of study can each affect your future eligibility for work permits and permanent residence. We review the new program against current PGWP rules and your longer-term plan before you make the change.
We also help students whose institution has closed, lost its DLI status or cancelled a program. In those cases the transfer is not optional, and it must be handled quickly so you do not fall out of compliance through no fault of your own.
Who this is for
- Study permit holders who have been admitted to a different DLI and need to transfer correctly
- Students changing programs or levels of study within the same institution who want to protect PGWP eligibility
- Students whose school has closed, lost its designation or cancelled their program
- Students who already started at a new school and are unsure whether they reported the change correctly
What we do
- Confirm whether your transfer requires a new study permit application or an update through your IRCC account under current rules
- Review the new program and institution against current PGWP eligibility and your permanent residence goals
- Prepare and file the new study permit application with the letter of acceptance, provincial attestation letter where required, proof of funds and an explanation for the change
- Coordinate withdrawal from the current DLI so there is no gap or overlap that looks like non-compliance
- Correct the record for students who transferred without the required authorization, with an explanation that addresses the breach directly
- Advise on timing so you start at the new school only once you are authorized to do so
How it works
- 1
Transfer assessment
We review your current permit, the new offer and the current rules to determine what IRCC requires and what the change means for your work rights and PR plans.
- 2
Documentation
We gather the acceptance letter, attestation letter where needed, enrolment history, transcripts and funds evidence, and draft the explanation for the change.
- 3
Filing
We submit the new permit application or account update, confirm receipt and tell you exactly when you may begin at the new institution.
- 4
Compliance follow-through
We confirm your enrolment is reported correctly at both institutions and keep your file ready for your next extension or PGWP application.