Changing DLI Number After Applying For A Study Permit

If you want to switch schools after applying for or receiving your study permit, the process is stricter than it used to be. Since November 8, 2024, most post-secondary students can no longer change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) by simply updating their online IRCC account, and on June 18, 2026, IRCC clarified exactly how officers enforce this rule. Getting the order of steps wrong can put your status and your future Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility at risk, so it is worth understanding the current rules before you accept an offer from a new school.

This guide walks through what a DLI is, what changed, and the exact steps to follow if you are changing schools, whether you are inside Canada, outside Canada, or still waiting on a decision. If you would rather have a licensed consultant review your specific situation, you can book a free assessment and we will confirm what applies to you.

What Is a DLI?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. To apply for a study permit, you need a valid letter of acceptance from a DLI, and your study permit is generally tied to the specific institution named on it.

All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically DLIs. At the post-secondary level, only schools on the official DLI list qualify, so if you are switching to a new college or university, confirm it is on that list before you apply.

The Rule That Changed: You Now Need a New Study Permit to Change Schools

Before November 2024, international students inside Canada could often change their DLI just by updating their information through their IRCC account. That is no longer the case for most post-secondary students.

Since November 8, 2024, if your study permit names a specific DLI, you must apply for and be approved for a new study permit before you start studying at a different post-secondary school. This requirement comes from section 217.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, and section 220.1(1) sets out the two conditions every permit holder must meet: stay enrolled at the DLI named on the permit, and actively pursue your studies.

On June 18, 2026, IRCC updated its internal Program Delivery Instructions to spell out the consequences more clearly. Under the update, a student who changes to a different DLI without first getting a new study permit can have their previous permit rendered invalid under paragraph R222(1)(a.1). The underlying rule has not changed since 2024. What changed is how strictly and how clearly officers are now instructed to apply it, and IRCC is also paying closer attention to students who change schools or programs repeatedly, to assess whether they are making reasonable progress toward a credential.

When You Don't Need a New Study Permit

Not every school or program change requires a new application. You generally do not need a new study permit if:

• You are changing your program or level of study at the same DLI. You can usually update this directly through your IRCC account.
• You are enrolled in a joint program that leads to a single credential across two institutions.
• You are changing schools within the primary or secondary level.
• You are changing your student work placement or co-op employer while staying with the same DLI.

If your study permit does not name a specific DLI, your situation may be assessed differently. It is worth confirming with a licensed consultant before assuming the same-school exception applies to you.

Common Reasons Students Change Their DLI

There are several legitimate reasons students decide to switch schools, including:

• Their current DLI is suspended, closed, or no longer designated.
• Their program is discontinued or changes significantly.
• Their career goals shift and the program no longer fits.
• They are unsatisfied with the quality of education at their current DLI.
• They find a program that is more reputable or better aligned with their interests.
• Tuition, scholarships, or overall cost make another school more attractive.
• They prefer a different city or neighbourhood.
• A different DLI offers stronger co-op or internship opportunities that support a future Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Whatever your reason, confirm that your credits will transfer, that you are still meeting your permit conditions, and that you understand the full cost of switching before you commit.

Documents You Need to Change Your DLI

To apply for a new study permit after changing your DLI, you will typically need:

• A new, valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your new DLI.
• A Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL or TAL), unless you qualify for an exemption. This has been a requirement since January 22, 2025.
• A Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead of a PAL if you are moving to a school in Quebec.
• A letter explaining your reason for changing schools.
• Proof that you meet the criteria to begin studying at the new DLI early, if that applies to your situation.
• Your passport and current study permit.

If you already submitted your application without these documents, you can still provide them afterward through the IRCC web form.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Your DLI After a Study Permit Application

Step 1: Get your Letter of Acceptance from the new DLI. Apply to your new school and secure an official LOA before doing anything else.

Step 2: Get your PAL or TAL (or CAQ in Quebec), if required. This must be issued before you submit your new application. Some Master's and PhD applicants are exempt, so confirm your category first.

Step 3: Apply for a new study permit. If you are already in Canada, this is filed as a study permit extension. When you apply online, select "Yes" to the question asking whether you are changing your DLI. This lets IRCC route your file for faster processing: applications for a change to a new post-secondary DLI are currently targeted for a 60-day turnaround.

Step 4: Wait for approval before you start at the new school. Unless you meet a specific exception (see below), do not begin classes at your new DLI until your new permit is approved.

Need help preparing your application or confirming which documents apply to you? Contact our team and we will walk you through it.

Can I Start Studying at My New DLI Before My New Permit Is Approved?

In limited cases, yes. You may be able to start at your new school while your extension application is still being processed, but only if all of the following apply:

• You have not left Canada since receiving your letter of acceptance from the new DLI.
• You still meet all the conditions of your current, valid study permit.
• Before finishing your course at the previous DLI, that school closed, discontinued your program, was placed on the suspension list, or lost its designated status.

If you do not meet all of these conditions, you should wait for your new permit to be approved before attending classes at the new school. Starting early without meeting the exception can put you at risk of studying without authorization.

Changing Your DLI While Outside of Canada

If your study permit application is still being processed and you decide to switch DLIs before it is approved, you can submit your new letter of acceptance and any required PAL or TAL through the IRCC web form, and your original application will be assessed against the new school.

If your study permit has already been approved and you then decide to change schools before arriving in Canada, updating your file is not enough. You must submit a brand new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance, and you will need to pay the application fees again.

Changing Your DLI While Your Study Permit Application Is Still in Progress

If your application is still in progress and you have not yet received a decision, tell IRCC about the change by submitting your new letter of acceptance, and a PAL or TAL if needed, through the IRCC web form. You do not need to start a separate application in this case, since your original one is still open.

What Happens If You Change DLI Without Authorization

If you switch to a new post-secondary DLI without first getting a new study permit approved, you are considered to be studying without authorization. According to IRCC's official guidance on changing your school or program, this can mean:

• Your previous study permit may become invalid.
• You may have your permit cancelled.
• You may be asked to leave Canada or change your status.
• You may be refused a study or work permit in the future.
• Your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit can be affected.

Your old school is also required to report you if you stop attending, which can trigger a compliance check from IRCC by email. None of these consequences are automatic, and officers review the specifics of each case, but the safest path is always to apply first, get approved, and only then start at your new school. If you think you may have already switched in the wrong order, speak with a licensed consultant as early as possible, since options like restoring your status may still be available depending on your timeline.

Cost of Changing Your DLI or School in Canada

Several costs can come with switching schools, including:

• New application fee: A new study permit or extension application fee applies each time you reapply.
• New school's application fee: Often ranges from roughly 50 to 200 CAD, depending on the institution.
• Credit transfer evaluation fee: Charged by some institutions if you already completed coursework elsewhere.
• Tuition differences: Your new DLI's tuition may be higher or lower than your current one.
• Refund policies: Some schools have strict rules around refunding tuition if you withdraw mid-semester.
• Relocation costs: If you are moving cities or provinces, factor in travel, housing, and any penalties for ending a lease early.

Changing Your University From One Province to Another

You can change your DLI even if it means moving to a different province. Credit transfers between Canadian institutions are common, but always confirm with your new school first to avoid surprises. You will still need to follow the same process outlined above, including a new study permit application if you are moving to a new post-secondary DLI, along with a valid PAL or TAL for that new province if required.

Why choose us?

We have helped applicants from nearly 20 countries navigate their Canadian immigration process, including study permit extensions and DLI changes. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Sepehr Falahati and our team know exactly what documentation IRCC expects and how to keep your application on track. Contact us to start the process today.

If you are not yet a Canadian Permanent Resident and are not sure what the best path forward looks like, fill out our free assessment form and we will get back to you with your options.