Generally, no. International students in Canada can no longer switch from a university to a college using their existing study permit. Under regulations that took effect on November 8, 2024, you must apply for and be approved for a new study permit before you can start classes at your new Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Beware: moving to a private college may permanently disqualify you from a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Many international students arrive in Canada to pursue a university degree, only to realize that a hands-on, practical college diploma is a better fit for their career goals. Whether you are moving from a large university in Toronto to a community college in Ottawa, or transferring within Edmonton, the federal government allows for academic flexibility.
However, switching schools is not as simple as just showing up to a new classroom. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) heavily monitors student compliance. Failing to obtain a new study permit before starting your classes can result in your status being compromised. Using our directory to consult with a Canadian immigration lawyer can ensure your transition protects your future work rights. 📍
Step-by-Step Process in Canada to Switch DLIs
Because study permits fall under federal jurisdiction, the rules for transferring schools are uniform across Canada. The process requires careful coordination between your old school, your new school, and the federal government.
Step 1: Confirm the New College is a DLI
You cannot simply transfer to any private school. Your new college must be officially recognized by the government as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You must check the official IRCC DLI list to ensure the college has a valid DLI number. 🔍
If you enrol in a school that is not a DLI, your study permit immediately becomes invalid, and you will be in violation of Canadian immigration law.
Step 2: Verify PGWP Eligibility at the New College
This is the most critical step. Not all DLIs are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. While almost all public universities and public colleges offer PGWP-eligible programs, many private colleges do not. 💼
If you switch to a private career college, you may lose your right to apply for a work permit after graduation, which could derail your path to Permanent Residency. Always verify the PGWP eligibility on the IRCC website before accepting an offer.
Step 3: Apply for a New Study Permit
Once you have your new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your college, you must apply to IRCC for a new study permit (which is processed as a study permit extension if you are inside Canada). Since January 22, 2025, you are also generally required to provide a valid Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from the province or territory of your new school, unless you are exempt. 💻
You must submit this application online through your IRCC secure account. Under the rules that took effect on November 8, 2024, you are legally required to wait for the new study permit to be approved before you can begin classes at your new college.
Step 4: Maintain Full-Time Enrolment
To keep your off-campus working privileges, you must remain a full-time student. If your transfer causes a gap in your studies (for example, waiting for the next semester to start), that gap generally cannot exceed 150 days. 📅
During any significant gap between programs where you are not actively studying, you are legally forbidden from working. You must wait until your first day of classes at the new college to resume any employment.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Switching schools in Canada requires submitting a formal application and paying standard processing fees. As of May 2026, here are the expected costs in CAD: 💰
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Study Permit Extension Fee | $150 | The mandatory government processing fee for a new study permit. |
| New College Application Fee | $90 – $150 | Paid directly to the new college for processing. |
| Lawyer Consultation | $150 – $350 | To review PGWP and transition risks before making the switch. |
Be aware that universities have strict refund policies. If you switch schools mid-semester, you may lose a significant portion of your paid international tuition.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The study permit extension process is not instantaneous. While IRCC aims to process post-secondary school change applications within an expedited 60-day standard for students in Canada, it typically takes several weeks. You must wait for official approval before starting your studies. ⏱️
Additionally, obtaining your new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the college can take 2 to 6 weeks. Remember that if you take a break between schools, your scheduled break cannot exceed 150 days, otherwise you must change your status to a visitor or leave Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to apply for a new study permit?
Yes. Under IRCC regulations implemented on November 8, 2024, you must apply for a new study permit (processed as an extension) and receive approval before you can start studying at your new college. Your permit is legally tied to the specific Designated Learning Institution (DLI) named on your document.
Can I work during the gap between schools?
No. If there is a gap between the time you drop out of university and begin your college classes, you are not actively enrolled. Working during this time is illegal and can jeopardize your future PGWP and PR applications.
What happens if my new program is longer than my permit?
Generally, when you apply for your new study permit to change schools, the expiry date will be adjusted to match your new program’s timeline. If your permit is still set to expire before you finish, you must apply for a study permit extension at least 30 days before it expires to maintain legal status.
Does my old university notify IRCC?
Yes. Canadian DLIs are legally required to report student enrolment status to IRCC. If your university reports you as no longer enrolled, and you have not submitted an application for a new study permit, you may be flagged for non-compliance.
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