International students in Canada sometimes need to change schools because of program cancellations, limited course availability, academic circumstances, or personal reasons.

However, transferring to another college or university is no longer as simple as updating your school information with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Under the rules introduced on November 8, 2024, most international students changing designated learning institutions (DLIs) at the post-secondary level must obtain a new study permit before beginning their studies at the new institution.

But what happens if your new program starts before IRCC approves your study permit application?

The answer depends on why you are transferring and whether you qualify for a specific exception.

Do You Need a New Study Permit to Change Schools in Canada?

Yes, in most cases.

If you are currently studying at a Canadian college or university and want to transfer to another post-secondary designated learning institution, you generally need to apply for a new study permit by extending your current permit.

This requirement may apply even if:

• Your existing study permit is still valid.
• You are transferring to another college in the same province.
• Your new program is at the same level of study.
• You have already received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new institution.
• You have already paid tuition or registered for classes.

Simply notifying IRCC of your new DLI is no longer sufficient for most post-secondary transfers.

Students should verify that their new institution is on the official DLI list before applying.

Can You Start Studying at Your New School While Waiting for Study Permit Approval?

Generally, no.

Submitting a study permit extension application does not automatically authorize you to begin studying at another post-secondary DLI.

In most situations, you must wait until your new study permit is approved before starting classes at your new school.

For example:

An international student attending College A in Toronto receives admission to College B for a different diploma program.

Although the student has a valid study permit and submits an application to change DLIs, they generally cannot begin studying at College B until IRCC approves the new permit.

However, IRCC provides an important exception for students affected by certain institutional or program disruptions.

When Can You Transfer Schools Before Your New Study Permit Is Approved?

IRCC allows certain international students to begin studying at a new DLI while their study permit extension application is being processed.

To qualify, all of the following conditions must be satisfied:

1. You have not left Canada since receiving your Letter of Acceptance from the new DLI.
2. You continue to meet the conditions of your existing study permit.
3. Before you completed your studies, your previous DLI experienced one of the following situations:
   • The institution closed.
   • The institution discontinued your course or program of study.
   • The institution was placed on the DLI suspension list.
   • The institution lost its designated status.

You must also submit the appropriate study permit extension application for your new DLI and provide evidence supporting your eligibility for the exception.

If you satisfy the requirements, you may be able to begin studying at the new institution while your application is being processed, rather than waiting for approval.

Important: These exceptions are not available simply because you prefer another school, receive a better admission offer, or want to change your career direction.

What If Your College Suspends or Cancels Your Program?

This is particularly relevant for international students whose colleges have announced that certain programs will no longer be offered.

For example, a student may have received admission to a Graduate Certificate program, only to learn that the college has suspended or discontinued the program due to insufficient enrolment.

In this situation, the immigration implications depend on the circumstances.

Scenario A: Your College Discontinues Your Program

If you are already studying and your institution discontinues your program before you complete it, you may qualify for IRCC’s exception allowing study at another DLI while your new study permit application is being processed.

You must still satisfy the other applicable conditions, including the requirement concerning travel outside Canada after receiving your new LOA.

Scenario B: Your Program Is Cancelled Before You Begin Studying

If your program is cancelled before you begin, do not automatically assume that the exception applies.

IRCC’s exception refers to institutional or program disruptions occurring before completion of studies, but eligibility still depends on the student’s circumstances and compliance with the applicable study permit conditions.

Students should obtain written confirmation of the cancellation and assess whether they qualify before starting another program.

Scenario C: You Voluntarily Transfer to Another College

If you decide to transfer because another institution offers a preferred program, a more convenient location, or better career opportunities, the exception generally does not apply.

You normally need to wait until your new study permit is approved.

What If You Change Programs at the Same College?

Changing programs within the same DLI is different from transferring to another institution.

If you remain at the same designated learning institution, you may be able to change your program without obtaining a new study permit, provided your existing permit remains valid and its conditions allow you to pursue the new program.

For example, a student may wish to change from a Graduate Certificate program to a Diploma program offered by the same college.

A program change of this kind does not automatically require a new study permit simply because the credential or program title changes.

However, you should review:

• The conditions printed on your study permit.
• Whether the new program falls within the authorized level of study.
• Whether you need to extend your study permit to complete the program.
• Whether a new PAL or TAL is required for an extension.
• Whether the program change could affect Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.

If a study permit extension is required for a program change at the same DLI, IRCC generally allows students to begin the new program while the extension application is being processed, provided they remain eligible. If the application is refused, they must stop studying immediately.

Do You Need a New PAL or TAL When Changing Schools?

In many cases, yes.

Since January 22, 2025, international students changing post-secondary DLIs generally need a new Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) when submitting their new study permit applications, unless they qualify for an exemption.

A new PAL or TAL may be required even if you already received one for your previous institution.

When Might You Be Exempt?

Examples of PAL/TAL exemptions include:

• Eligible primary and secondary school students.
• Students applying to qualifying degree-granting master’s or doctoral programs at public DLIs, beginning January 1, 2026.
• Certain applicants covered by other IRCC exemptions.
• Eligible students extending their study permits at the same DLI and the same level of study.

Students changing DLIs or levels of study should not assume they can reuse a previous PAL or TAL.

If you are studying in Quebec, separate Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) requirements may also apply.

How to Apply for a New Study Permit When Changing DLIs

If you are already in Canada and plan to transfer to another post-secondary institution, the general process is as follows.

Step 1: Confirm Your New School Is a DLI

Verify that your new college or university is included on IRCC’s official designated learning institution list.

Step 2: Obtain a New Letter of Acceptance

Request a valid LOA from your new institution.

Step 3: Obtain a New PAL or TAL, If Required

Determine whether your application requires a provincial or territorial attestation letter.

Step 4: Prepare an Explanation Letter

Explain why you are changing institutions.

If your original program was suspended or cancelled, include supporting documentation from your college.

Step 5: Submit a Study Permit Extension Application

Apply online to extend your study permit for the new DLI, ensuring that you correctly indicate that you are changing institutions.

Step 6: Determine Whether You Can Begin Studying

If you qualify for IRCC’s specific exception, you may be permitted to start studying while your application is being processed.

Otherwise, wait for the required study permit approval before beginning at the new DLI.

Is There Faster Processing for Students Changing Schools?

IRCC has introduced faster processing instructions for eligible in-Canada students changing post-secondary DLIs.

Students may be able to have their study permit extension applications processed within a 60-day service period if they follow the specified application instructions.

Applicants must correctly indicate that they are changing their designated learning institution when completing the online application.

However, processing times may vary, and submitting an application under this process does not guarantee approval by a particular date.

A faster processing process does not automatically authorize a student to begin studying before approval.

What Happens If You Change Schools Without the Required Study Permit?

Changing schools without complying with IRCC’s requirements can have serious immigration consequences.

Your previous institution may report that you are no longer enrolled or actively studying.

Potential consequences may include:

• Non-compliance with study permit conditions.
• Cancellation or invalidation of your study permit.
• Immigration status complications.
• Requests to leave Canada or change your immigration status.
• Difficulties with future study permit or work permit applications.

Non-compliance may also affect the assessment of subsequent immigration applications.

International students should therefore verify their authorization before beginning classes at another institution.

FAQ

Q1. Can I transfer colleges in Canada before my new study permit is approved?

Generally, no. Most post-secondary students must receive approval of their new study permit before beginning studies at another DLI. Limited exceptions apply when the previous institution closes, discontinues a program, is suspended, or loses its designated status, provided all eligibility conditions are met.

Q2. Can I change my DLI while my study permit extension is being processed?

You can apply to change your DLI, but you generally cannot begin studying at the new institution until the appropriate study permit is approved, unless you qualify for an exception.

Q3. What happens if my college cancels my program?

You may need to transfer to another program or institution. If you are transferring to another DLI, a new study permit application is generally required. Depending on the timing and circumstances of the cancellation, you may qualify to begin studying while your application is processed.

Q4. Do I need a new study permit if I change programs at the same college?

Not necessarily. If you remain at the same DLI and your study permit conditions allow the change, you may continue studying under your existing permit. An extension may be required depending on the new program, your permit conditions, and its expiry date.

Q5. Do I need a new PAL when transferring colleges in Canada?

Generally, yes. Students changing DLIs usually require a new PAL or TAL for their study permit applications unless a specific exemption applies.

Q6. Can I transfer from a Graduate Certificate to a Diploma program?

Yes, a program change may be possible. However, the requirements depend on whether you are remaining at the same DLI or transferring to a different institution, as well as any restrictions on your existing study permit.

Q7. Will changing schools affect my PGWP eligibility?

It may. Your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit depends on several factors, including the institution, program, applicable field-of-study requirements, and your compliance with study permit conditions. A school or program change should be reviewed carefully if your goal is to apply for a PGWP after graduation.

Changing schools in Canada requires more careful planning under the current IRCC study permit rules.

For most international students transferring between post-secondary institutions, obtaining a new study permit is mandatory, and studying at the new institution before approval is generally not permitted.

However, students affected by institutional closures, program discontinuations, DLI suspensions, or the loss of designated status may qualify for an exception.

Before transferring, confirm your study permit conditions, the immigration status of your new institution, your PAL/TAL requirements, and whether you are legally authorized to begin your new program.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Study permit requirements depend on individual circumstances, current immigration status, institutional changes, applicable exemptions, and IRCC policies. Quebec students may be subject to additional provincial requirements. Immigration regulations and administrative procedures may change without notice. Readers should review official IRCC guidance or consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for advice on their individual circumstances.