Changing a school and changing a program use different processes.
IRCC currently advertises 60-day processing for a properly identified in-Canada post-secondary DLI-change extension. Changing without reporting can lead to invalidation, cancellation, removal concerns and future refusals.
New post-secondary DLI
Apply to extend and obtain a new study permit before starting at the new DLI. Include the new LOA, explanation and a new PAL/TAL unless exempt.
Narrow early-start exception
A student may start at the new DLI while waiting only under the limited IRCC criteria involving closure, program discontinuance, suspension or loss of designation by the former DLI, while also remaining in Canada and compliant.
Same DLI, new program
A valid permit may cover the change unless its conditions restrict the student; extend if the new program outlasts the permit and obtain a new PAL/TAL where required.
Secondary to post-secondary
A student without a study permit must receive one before post-secondary study. A permit holder may need a new permit under the current change rules.
Québec
A new CAQ/attestation is commonly required; limited vocational-centre exceptions exist.
Outside Canada after approval
Changing the DLI normally requires a new study-permit application, new LOA and fees before travel.
Verify the exact program and future goal before paying tuition.
- 01
Match the institution name, campus, DLI number, credential and program start/end dates to the letter of acceptance.
- 02
Read the deposit and refund terms for visa refusal, withdrawal, deferral and program cancellation; keep every receipt and written representation.
- 03
Check whether the credential is recognized for the intended regulated profession, trade, graduate admission or career outcome.
- 04
For PGWP planning, verify the exact program—not only the school—and document the DLI-list result on the day of payment.
- 05
For a non-degree program, identify its CIP code and whether the applicant’s study-permit filing date triggers the eligible field-of-study rule.
- 06
In Québec, confirm the CAQ, financial-capacity and attestation process before the federal application.
Maintain student status and keep a paper trail after arrival.
Enrolment and progress
Remain enrolled at the DLI named in the permit and actively pursue studies. Preserve enrolment letters, transcripts, attendance and authorized-leave records.
Authorized leave
A DLI-authorized leave is generally limited to 150 days for compliance purposes. On- and off-campus work is not allowed during an authorized leave.
Contact and permit conditions
Update the school and IRCC where required and obey work, medical, level, DLI and expiry conditions printed on the permit.
Stopping or finishing early
Stopping studies can end work authorization. The study permit normally becomes invalid 90 days after written program completion even if a later date is printed.
Travel document
A study permit is not a visa. Re-entry normally requires a valid passport plus TRV or eTA, and the final admission decision remains with CBSA.
Extend before expiry; restoration is not an extension.
- 01
The printed expiry is usually the program length plus 90 days, but early written completion can make the permit invalid 90 days later. Calculate the legal date instead of relying only on the card.
- 02
IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expiry. The legal requirement is to submit a complete extension before status expires.
- 03
If a complete extension is filed on time and the student stays in Canada, maintained status can allow continued study under the same conditions while IRCC decides.
- 04
Travel during maintained status can affect the ability to resume study on return. Carry the permit, filing proof and valid TRV/eTA and review the individual re-entry plan.
- 05
If status expires before filing, stop studying. Restoration is normally requested within 90 days, requires explanation and fees, is discretionary and does not authorize study while pending.
- 06
If continuing in Québec, renew the CAQ early enough to support the federal extension.
Official sources & application
The practical answer is in this guide; use these links to verify live changes and apply officially.
Ghasedak explains the eligibility, evidence, process and important cautions in plain language. Because laws, forms, fees and filing methods can change, also check the live official instructions on the day you submit. This is general information, not individual legal advice.