Yes, you can legally change your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) after arriving in Canada, but you must officially notify IRCC through your online secure account. Failing to report this change violates your study permit conditions and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), which can result in deportation or future permit refusals.
Understanding How to Change Your DLI in Canada
Arriving in Winnipeg, Edmonton, or Toronto as an international student is an incredible milestone, but sometimes a program or campus just isn’t the right fit. 🏫 Fortunately, Canadian immigration law offers flexibility, allowing you to transfer to a different college or university without having to return to your home country. However, switching schools involves strict administrative rules that you must follow to maintain your legal status.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) closely monitor international students. 👁️ Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), you are legally mandated to actively pursue your studies. If you quietly drop out of a school in Vancouver to attend a different institution in Montreal without notifying IRCC, the government will assume you have abandoned your studies, placing you at severe risk of removal.
Step-by-Step Process to Change Your DLI
Transferring to a new school requires careful timing. ⏳ You must ensure your new institution is recognized by the federal government before making any sudden moves.
Step 1: Verify the New School is a DLI
Before applying to a new program, you must check the official IRCC list to ensure the school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). 🏛️ If you transfer to an unapproved school, your study permit becomes invalid. Also, ensure the new school offers programs that are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if you intend to stay in Canada after graduation.
Step 2: Obtain a New Letter of Acceptance
You must formally apply and be accepted into your new school. 📄 Once approved, they will issue you a new Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Do not officially withdraw from your current Canadian institution until you have this new LOA securely in hand.
Step 3: Update IRCC via the Secure Portal
This is the most critical step. Log into your IRCC secure account and select “Transfer from DLI number.” 💻 You will need your study permit application number, the new school’s DLI number, your new student ID, and the start date of your new program. Submitting this form officially informs the government of your transfer.
Step 4: Actively Pursue Your Studies
You must begin classes at your new school within 150 days of leaving your previous institution. 🎒 If the gap between schools is longer than 150 days, IRCC considers you to be non-compliant with the IRPR. During a gap of this length, you must either leave Canada or change your status to a visitor.
Does Changing Your DLI Cost Money?
Notifying IRCC of your DLI change through the online portal is completely free ($0 CAD). 💳 The government does not charge an administrative fee for this update. However, you will incur standard academic costs. Your new school will likely charge a non-refundable application fee ranging from $50 to $150 CAD. Furthermore, if your study permit is nearing expiration and you need to apply for an extension to complete the new program, the IRCC renewal fee is $150 CAD. Consulting a student advisor or immigration lawyer for complex transfers usually costs between $150 and $300 CAD.
Comparing Same-Level vs. Different-Level Transfers
The rules change slightly depending on what level of education you are transferring into:
| Transfer Type | Action Required by Student | Do you need a new permit? |
|---|---|---|
| Same Level (e.g., Bachelor’s to Bachelor’s) | Update DLI number via IRCC portal. | No, as long as the current permit is valid. |
| Different Level (e.g., Bachelor’s to Master’s) | Update DLI number via IRCC portal. | No, standard study permits cover any post-secondary level. |
| Primary/Secondary to Post-Secondary | Submit a brand new study permit application. | Yes. High school permits do not cover college/university. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work during the gap between switching schools?
No. If you have officially stopped studying at your first DLI and are waiting for classes to begin at your new DLI, you are not legally authorized to work on or off-campus during this gap period.
What happens if I forget to tell IRCC about my transfer?
If you fail to update your DLI online, your old school will report you as “not enrolled.” IRCC will assume you are violating your permit conditions, which can lead to deportation and automatic refusal of future Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
Do I need to leave Canada if the new school starts next year?
If the gap between your old school ending and your new school beginning exceeds 150 days, you cannot legally remain in Canada as a student. You must either apply to change your status to a visitor, or leave Canada and return when the new program begins.
Does changing DLIs affect my Post-Graduation Work Permit?
Changing DLIs does not inherently harm your PGWP eligibility, provided you transfer to another PGWP-eligible institution and you do not take unauthorized gaps in your studies that violate the “active pursuit” requirement.
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