If your admission is revoked or you are dismissed from a Canadian university, your study permit becomes invalid immediately on the day you are no longer enrolled. To remain in Canada legally, you must immediately take action to apply for a new study permit for another Designated Learning Institution (DLI), change your status to visitor, or leave the country.
Facing academic dismissal from a Canadian university is an incredibly stressful experience, but panicking will not solve your immigration status. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) actively monitors international students to ensure they are actively pursuing their studies. Whether you were attending a major institution in Toronto, a college in Vancouver, or a university in Montreal, your school is legally obligated to report your enrollment status to the federal government.
When a university revokes your admission, the clock starts ticking immediately. If you simply stay home and ignore the situation, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) may flag your file for non-compliance, which can lead to a removal order. Understanding the federal regulations and exploring our directory for a local immigration lawyer can help you navigate this crisis and keep your academic dreams in Canada alive. 📍
Step-by-Step Process in Canada After Academic Dismissal
Because study permits are governed by federal law, the steps you must take are identical across every province. The government provides a grace period, but you must act proactively to maintain a valid temporary resident status in the country.
Step 1: The Immediate Invalidity of Your Study Permit
Under Section 222(1)(a.1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), your study permit becomes invalid immediately on the very day you are no longer enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) named on your permit. ⏱️
It is a common misconception that students have a 150-day grace period after being dismissed. The 150-day rule applies exclusively to officially approved, authorized leaves of absence where you remain actively enrolled at your school. Because academic dismissal or revocation of admission cancels your enrollment, your study permit dies instantly, and you must immediately stop any on- or off-campus work. Continuing to work after your admission is revoked constitutes unauthorized labour, which is a serious federal offence.
Step 2: Securing a New Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
If you wish to stay in Canada as a student, your immediate priority is to find a new school. You must apply to another Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and receive an official Letter of Acceptance. 📄
You can transfer to a college or another university, provided the institution is on the official IRCC DLI list. Many students in cities like Calgary or Halifax transition to a college diploma program to rebuild their academic standing before attempting a university degree again.
Step 3: Applying for a New Study Permit (DLI Change)
Under IRCC regulations enacted on November 8, 2024, you can no longer change schools by simply updating your DLI number online through your secure portal. If you transfer to a new post-secondary institution, you are legally required to apply for a new study permit by submitting an in-Canada study permit extension application. 💻
This application must list your new school’s DLI number, and you generally must wait for the new study permit to be approved before you can begin attending classes at the new institution. Furthermore, as of January 22, 2025, you must also obtain and include a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province where your new DLI is located before submitting your extension application, unless you qualify for a rare exemption.
Step 4: Changing to Visitor Status or Restoring Your Status
Because your study permit becomes invalid immediately upon academic dismissal, you must act rapidly to preserve your legal presence in Canada. If you cannot secure a new DLI admission right away, you should apply to change your status to a visitor (visitor record) before your university officially terminates your enrollment. 🗺️
If you have already been dismissed and your enrollment has ended, your study permit has already become invalid. In this scenario, you must apply to restore your status as a student or visitor within 90 days under the IRCC restoration process. Failing to restore your status within this 90-day window makes you an undocumented resident, placing you at risk of a CBSA removal order.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Fixing an academic dismissal involves application fees for new schools and potential IRCC processing fees. As of June 2026, here are the expected costs in CAD: 💰
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Study Permit (DLI Change) | $150 | IRCC fee to apply for a study permit extension for your new school. |
| Change Status to Visitor | $100 | IRCC fee for a visitor record application. |
| Restoration of Status Fee | $229 | Required if you apply to restore your status within 90 days of invalidity. |
| Immigration Lawyer Consultation | $150 – $350 | To map out a strategy to avoid CBSA removal. |
While hiring a lawyer is an extra expense, it is highly recommended if your study permit is nearing its expiry date or if you have accidentally worked without authorization.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The most critical timeline is the immediate invalidity of your study permit. Once you are dismissed, you must stop working instantly. To avoid becoming out of status, you must apply to restore your status within 90 days of losing your enrollment, or apply for visitor status before the dismissal is finalized. 📆
Processing times for a new college admission vary wildly, taking anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks. Once you apply for your new DLI study permit extension, IRCC processing can take 60 to 90 days, and you must generally wait for approval before beginning studies at the new DLI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work after my university admission is revoked?
No. Your right to work in Canada is tied directly to being actively enrolled as a full-time student at the DLI named on your study permit. The moment your admission is revoked or you are dismissed, your permit becomes invalid immediately, and you must instantly stop all on-campus and off-campus employment. Continuing to work constitutes unauthorized work, which can result in future visa refusals or a removal order.
Will CBSA find out that I was dismissed?
Yes. Every DLI in Canada is required to submit compliance reports to IRCC twice a year. If your university reports that you have been dismissed, IRCC and CBSA will be notified that you are no longer studying.
Do I need a new study permit to start at a new college?
Yes. Under the IRCC regulations enacted on November 8, 2024, you can no longer change post-secondary schools under your existing study permit. If you wish to transition to a new college, you must apply for a new study permit (via a study permit extension application) and wait for it to be approved before you can begin studying at your new school.
Can I appeal the university’s decision?
You can use the university’s internal academic appeal process. However, appealing does not stop the IRCC clock if the school has officially marked you as not enrolled. You must clarify your enrollment status with your academic advisor during the appeal.
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