A new admission offer does not, by itself, authorize an international student to start studying at another Canadian college or university. Most students changing post-secondary DLIs need approval of a study permit naming the new school before they transfer; limited exceptions apply.
Moving to another college or university
If you hold a Canadian study permit and plan to move to a different designated learning institution (DLI), you must apply for a study permit naming the new school. For a student already in Canada, IRCC directs them to apply by extending their current study permit. Receiving a letter of acceptance—or submitting the extension application—does not ordinarily mean you can begin classes at the new DLI. Plan to receive approval first. The regulatory change underpinning this requirement took effect on November 8, 2024. IRCC: Changing schools or programs · Canada Gazette: SOR/2024-219
Before accepting a transfer, check the new institution on IRCC’s DLI list. If your longer-term plan includes a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), check the specific program too: not every program at a DLI qualifies for a PGWP.
Can you study at the new DLI while the application is pending?
Generally, no—not for an ordinary voluntary transfer. IRCC describes a narrow exception where the previous DLI closed, discontinued your program, was placed on the suspension list or lost its designated status before you completed your studies. To study at the new DLI while awaiting a decision, you must also meet the other stated conditions, including applying for the new permit, remaining in Canada since receiving the new letter of acceptance and continuing to comply with your previous permit’s conditions. IRCC: When you can start studying at your new DLI
That distinction matters when coordinating a transfer date. Do not assume that submitting an extension—or having time left on your existing permit—automatically authorizes attendance at a different institution.
What if you change programs at the same school?
A program change at your current DLI is not necessarily the same as changing DLIs. IRCC says you can keep studying on your existing, valid permit if its conditions do not limit the new program. You may still need an extension if the permit will expire before you finish, or an application if its conditions prevent the planned change. Check the wording on your permit rather than relying on the fact that the school’s name has stayed the same. IRCC: Changing schools or programs
Will you need a new PAL or TAL?
As of January 22, 2025, students changing schools generally need a new, valid provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) before submitting the study permit application, unless an exemption applies. IRCC also tells applicants changing schools to include a letter explaining the change.
One important exception applies from January 1, 2026: a degree-granting master’s or doctoral program at a public DLI is exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement. This is an attestation-letter exemption, not an exemption from applying for the permit needed to change DLIs. Applicants relying on an exemption must provide supporting proof. A move to a school in Quebec brings separate Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) considerations. IRCC: Changing schools or programs · IRCC: PAL/TAL requirements and exemptions
A practical transfer checklist
For students, confirm the new DLI and program, obtain its letter of acceptance, check whether a new PAL/TAL or proof of exemption is required, and prepare your explanation for changing schools. Compare your current permit’s expiry and conditions with both schools’ academic dates before leaving your existing program.
For schools, placement providers and employers, an admission offer alone should not be treated as confirmation that a student can begin studying—or working under the relevant permit conditions—at the new institution. Confirm the student’s actual authorization before finalizing arrangements.
FAQ
Q1. Can I start at my new college as soon as I receive its acceptance letter?
Usually not if you are voluntarily changing post-secondary DLIs. Confirm approval of the permit naming the new school first, unless you meet IRCC’s limited early-start exception.
Q2. Do I need a new permit to change majors at the same university?
Not necessarily. A valid permit may continue to work if its conditions allow the new program. Check whether an extension or change to your conditions is needed.
Q3. Does transferring to a DLI guarantee PGWP eligibility?
No. IRCC notes that not every program offered by a DLI is PGWP-eligible.
This is general information. Transfers involving primary or secondary school, Quebec, or an approved application while the student is outside Canada can follow different steps.
