How to Change DLI (Designated Learning Institution) Number in Canada
Outside Canada:
Students can request to change their DLI while their study permit application is in process. The new letter of acceptance should be submitted through the IRCC webform.
If the study permit application has been approved, a new application should be made for a new study permit.
Inside Canada:
Post-secondary students can transfer between DLI educational institutions or change their course or program without the need for a change to their study permit.
Students should inform IRCC through MyAccount when they transfer to another DLI.
What’s a DLI?
DLI or Designated learning institutions list, is a list of schools approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. To apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution.
If you plan to attend a post-secondary school, make sure it is on this list.
Please note that All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions.
What Are the Reasons for Changing DLI
To grant a study permit in Canada, you need to get accepted in a designated learning institution. However, there are a couple of reasons that you may want or need to change your institute depending on your situation.
- Changes in the current DLI: You may need to change your DLI because your current institution is suspended or no longer a DLI.
- Changes to the course: You may decide to change your DLI because they stop providing the course you enrolled in or there are changes in the course.
- Career goals: You may realize that the courses offered at the DLI are not aligned with your career goals or interests.
- Education quality: After taking a few classes you may find that the quality of education is not satisfactory at the DLI you;ve been accepted in.
- Discovering another opportunity: You may find another course in another DLI more reputed or more aligned with your interest and you decide to change your course or institute.
- Financial reasons: You may find another DLI with lower tuition fees or a DLI offering better scholarships and financial support.
- Location: You simply might not like the neighborhood and prefer to look for a DLI in a different city or neighborhood.
- Career prospect: You may find another DLI that provides better opportunities for co-op or internship. This can provide you with more opportunity to find a job after graduation and transition to Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
Also, you may prefer to change your DLI for personal reasons such as moving near to your family or getting access to better facilities.
Whatever your reason is, consider a few things before any actions. Ensure that the new institution recognizes credits you have passed at the current DLI. Inform IRCC if required and ensure compliance with visa rules. Finally, carefully evaluate the costs of transferring.
When Can International Students Change Their DLI?
If you are an international student in Canada, you can freely change your designated learning institution at any time during your study if you meet the conditions of IRCC.
You can change your DLI when:
- Your visa application is in process
- Your visa is approved but you have not entered Canada yet
- You have arrived to Canada and got your study permit
- Your class has not started yet
- You have finished your first semester
But, it is more common to transfer after you finish a semester or term. This will ensure smooth credit transfer and avoid disruption in your study.
However, in specific cases such as personal emergencies or financial problems you may need to transfer to a new DLI in the middle of your semester.
Also, some students may take a short-term program and then transfer to another DLI for further studies.
Step One: Check Eligibility for Changing a DLI
In order to transfer into a new DLI, you should be eligible. Check your study permit regulation. Also, check your current DLI regulations and rules.
You must possess a valid study permit and enroll in the new course. You may need to change your visa.
Can I Change My DLI?
You can change your DLI if you have already enrolled in a DLI under certain circumstances. Your new institution must be a DLI, too and you must provide a reasonable reason for transferring.
You can transfer to the same level, lower level, or if meeting the criteria, the higher level. You may need to renew your study permit or apply for a new one.
What to Consider Before Applying to Make a Change?
Ensure the new institution is a DLI too and not on the suspension list. You can only transfer to an institution on the suspension list if you are planning to continue your current course.
Consider all the expenses. You may be charged for transfer. Also, you may need to renew your study permit that can pose additional costs. Additionally, carefully evaluate living expenses and housing if you are moving to another city or neighborhood.
Note that you must maintain your status as a part-time or full-time student after transitioning to the new DLI depending on your study permit type.
Step Two: Prepare the Required Documentation
If you need to apply for a new study permit, you must provide a letter explaining your reason to change your DLI. Also, you must provide documents to prove that you are eligible for transition. This can include your passport, letter of acceptance, and study permit.
If your current study permit is still under process, you can submit your new documents through the IRCC web form.
Step Three: Submit Your Request
First, you need to obtain an official letter of acceptance (LOA) from the DLI you are wishing to join. After receiving the LOA, log in to your GCKey account and update your information. That is the account you submitted your study permit through.
You will find the “Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer” section under “Transfer from DLI number.”
Provide the needed information including your new DLI ID, your new student ID, etc and submit your request. You will receive an on-screen confirmation that your request is completed.
How to Change My DLI While Outside of Canada
If your study permit has been approved but you have decided to change your designated learning institution before arriving in Canada, you need to submit another study permit request with your new letter of acceptance. You need to pay all the charges for the new application.
How to Change University/College or Program Within Canada
You can also change your DLI when you have arrived in Canada. You may want to transition into another DLI before starting your study or after finishing the first semester.
Check your study permit requirements. If you need to renew your study permit, you must apply for a new permit using your new letter of acceptance.
But if renewal of the permit is not needed, you should still inform IRCC about changing your institution. Otherwise, you may not be able to extend your permit.
Can I Switch My DLI While in Canada?
Yes, you can switch your DLI while in Canada under certain circumstances:
- You need to hold a valid study permit
- Your new institution must also be a DLI
- The institution must not be in the suspension list
- You must provide your reason for changing your DLI
- You must receive a letter of acceptance from the new institution
How Much Is The Cost of Changing College or University in Canada?
The cost of changing your college or university depends on several factors. Generally, your cost may include the following:
- Application fee: You need to pay for the new application fee if applicable. This can range from 50 to 200 CAD depending on the institution you are applying for.
- Credit transfer fee: If you have already studied a semester in the previous institution, you may need to pay for credit transfer evaluation fee.
- Study permit renewal: If a study permit renewal is required, you need to pay all the application fee.
- Refunds: Some institutions may have strict regulations toward tuition refunds. If you withdraw mid-semester, you may lose part or all of the tuition you have already paid.
- Tuition fee differences: The tuition fee at the new institution may differ from your current DLI.
- Relocation costs: If you are moving to a new neighborhood or city, you need to pay for the travel costs and housing expenses. Note that canceling existing housing can result in penalties.
Can I Change My University from One Province to Another Province in Canada?
Yes, you can change your designated learning institution even from one province to another. Canadian institutions often allow for credit transfer. However, check with the new institution to ensure no problem will arise.
You may not need to renew your study permit, but you need to inform IRCC about the change and its details to avoid any complications.
When Can I Start Studying at the New DLI
You can start studying at your new DLI if your request for study permit renewal has been approved. Also, you can start studying while waiting for a decision on your study permit application under the following circumstances:
You have stayed in Canada since you received your LOA, still meet the conditions of your previous study permit, and you found yourself in one of the following situations before finishing your course:
- The previous DLI is closed.
- The previous DLI discontinued your course.
- The previous DLI is placed on the suspension list or is not a DLI anymore
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