In recent months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a series of changes that directly impact how international students can switch or attend Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Understanding these changes is crucial to maintaining legal status and staying compliant with your study permit obligations. In this article, we unpack what has changed, when the rules apply, and what you, as a student, need to do.

What Are DLIs and Why They Matter

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a province or territory to host international students. When applying for a study permit in Canada, you must provide a letter of acceptance from a DLI.

DLIs also have compliance obligations: they must report on student enrolment and status through a DLI Portal to help IRCC monitor whether students are pursuing their studies as required.

Key Changes Starting November 8, 2024

One of the most consequential changes took effect on November 8, 2024. Before this, post-secondary students could often change DLIs by simply notifying IRCC (e.g. by updating their institution via an online form).

Under the new rules, if you wish to transfer to a different DLI at the post-secondary level, you must apply for a new study permit (or extend your current permit properly) before you make the switch. You cannot just rely on the old “notify via form” approach.

Going forward, your study permit will often have the name of your DLI printed on it, making it easier for IRCC to verify your status. If you attend a DLI other than the one named on your permit, that mismatch could trigger compliance issues or investigations.

Compliance Reporting & DLIs’ Duties

DLIs now have mandatory reporting obligations. Twice each year (in spring and fall), as well as via ad-hoc requests, they must submit “student compliance verification” reports in the DLI Portal, indicating which international students are enrolled and whether they are meeting permit conditions. If a DLI fails to comply with its obligations (e.g., not reporting on student status), IRCC may issue warnings or even place the institution on a suspension list.

Transitional / Grace Measures (Now Expired)

To ease the transition, IRCC introduced temporary exceptions for the Winter/Spring 2025 semester. Some students meeting certain conditions were permitted to begin at their new DLI while their new study permit applications were being processed. Those interim measures expired on May 1, 2025. After that date, there are no exceptions: a valid study permit for the new DLI must be in hand before starting at the new school.

What This Means for Students

  1. Plan your transfers carefully. You must allow time for the new study permit processing before beginning at the new DLI.
  2. Check that the new school is an approved DLI. If it's not, your permit application could be refused.
  3. Include all required documents. For a new study permit/extension, you may need a new Letter of Acceptance, a valid provincial/territorial attestation (PAL/TAL) if required, proof of funds, academic transcripts, and a letter of explanation for the change.
  4. Maintain compliance in the meantime. You must continue fulfilling the conditions of your existing permit (full-time study, active progress) while the new permit is under review.
  5. Be careful about unauthorized transfers. Attending a DLI that is not named on your permit before approval can risk non-compliance, permit cancellation, or obstacles for future permit or visa requests.

Examples & Scenarios

Suppose you're enrolled at University A (a DLI) and decide to transfer to College B (also a DLI). Under the old system, you might simply notify IRCC and start at College B. But under the new rules:

  • You must first submit a permit extension/new-permit application listing College B as your intended institution.
  • You must wait for approval before beginning classes at College B (unless meeting narrow exceptions during the grace period, which no longer applies).
  • If College B is not designated (or becomes de-designated), your application may be refused.

Key Takeaways

As of November 8, 2024, post-secondary students wanting to switch DLIs must apply for a new study permit (or extension), DLIs have stronger compliance reporting requirements; failure to report may lead to warnings or suspension. The interim grace period for starting a new DLI while awaiting permit approval expired May 1, 2025 — now you must wait for permit approval. Always check DLI status and submit a robust application with all required documents. Failing to meet the rules can jeopardize your status and future immigration prospects.

If you're considering transferring schools in Canada, you may wish to consult an immigration advisor or review IRCC’s official guidance to ensure you're doing everything correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Always Need a New Study Permit When Changing DLIs?

Yes, if you are transferring at the post-secondary level, a new permit (or extension application) must be approved before you attend the new DLI. The old method of notifying via web form no longer applies.

What About Students Who Changed DLIs Before November 8, 2024?

If you switched DLIs before November 8, 2024 and met all conditions, you may continue at the new institution under your existing permit. However, changing again now will require going through the new rules.

Can I Start at the New DLI While Waiting for my Permit Decision?

Only under the transitional grace measures for Winter/Spring 2025, which have now expired. After May 1, 2025, you generally must wait for permit approval before starting at the new DLI.