If you are an international student planning to study in Canada or currently studying there, you may need to change your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) at some point during your academic journey. This process can seem daunting, but understanding the new regulations and procedures will help ensure a smooth transition. As of November 8, 2024, the rules regarding changing your DLI have evolved, and international students must be aware of the updated requirements for maintaining their study permits. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how and when you can change your DLI in Canada, along with the documents required, the processes involved, and important considerations.
This Blog Includes:
- What is DLI and DLI changes in Canada?
- Can I Change My Program or Institution in Canada?
- How to Change Your DLI in Canada?
- 1. Changing from Primary to Secondary School Levels
- 2. Changing DLIs within Primary or Secondary School Levels
- 3. Moving from Secondary to Post-Secondary Levels
- 4. Changing from Post-Secondary to Secondary Levels
- 5. Switching Programs within the Same DLI at Post-Secondary Level
- 6. Changing DLIs at the Post-Secondary Level
- 7. If Your Application is Still in Progress
- Documents You Need for Changing Your DLI in Canada
- When You Can Start Studying at Your New DLI?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is DLI and DLI changes in Canada?
The term DLI stands for Designated Learning Institution in Canada. A DLI is an institution that is approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. In order for international students to be eligible for a study permit, they must be enrolled in a DLI.
Recently, there have been some changes regarding DLIs. For instance, institutions that are no longer recognised as DLIs can impact a student’s eligibility for a study permit, and students may need to update their records with the Canadian government. Changes can also happen if an institution loses its DLI status due to regulatory reasons, or if a student wants to switch programs or institutions.
If you are wondering about changing your program or institution, it is important to note that you may need to update your DLI information with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), especially if you are switching to a different DLI or making a program change that affects your study permit.
Key Changes in the DLI Process | Description |
New Process for Post-Secondary Students | Starting November 8, 2024, students must apply for a new study permit to change schools at the post-secondary level. |
Study Permit Validity | A study permit can only remain valid if the student stays at the same DLI or applies for a new permit when changing institutions. |
Impact on PGWP Eligibility | If the school loses its DLI status or the program is discontinued, students may lose eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). |
Changing Between DLIs | Students changing to a new DLI at the post-secondary level must ensure the new school is on the DLI list and not on the suspension list. |
Study Permit Application Requirements | Students must submit a new application for a study permit, including a letter explaining why they are changing institutions and other supporting documents. |
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Can I Change My Program or Institution in Canada?
Changing schools or Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) as international students in Canada is an important decision that can have multiple academic, immigration, and legal implications.
Overseas students need to understand the potential consequences and follow the correct procedures to ensure their study permit remains valid and their academic journey is not interrupted.
Below, we outline different scenarios in which students may need to change their DLI and provide guidance on how they can best navigate this change.
Scenario | Description | Best Practices |
Academic Struggles or Performance Issues | Students may face difficulties adjusting to academic life due to heavy workload, language barriers, or lack of academic support. | Consult with academic advisors and international student services to explore transfer options. Ensure the new DLI offers a program aligned with academic and career goals. Apply for a new study permit if transferring to a DLI in a different province or significantly different program. |
Program Transfers or Specialization Changes | Students may want to switch their field of study, such as moving from business to engineering or data science. | Investigate the new program thoroughly before transferring. Confirm that the new program is offered by a DLI approved by the Canadian government. Apply for a new study permit if the program differs significantly from the original one. Inform Canadian immigration authorities of the change when submitting the new study permit application. |
Personal Reasons or Relocation | Personal factors like family issues, health problems, or the desire to be closer to a specific location might require transferring to a different DLI. | Make sure the transfer doesn’t affect eligibility for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) or other immigration benefits. Apply for a new study permit if transferring to a DLI in a different province. Check if a new study permit is required if transferring within the same province or region. |
Loss of DLI Status or School Closure | If a DLI loses its approved status or closes, students must transfer to a new DLI to maintain their study permit. | Verify if the closure is temporary or permanent; if permanent, apply to another DLI. Ensure the new DLI is on the Designated Learning Institution list. Apply for a new study permit to maintain legal status in Canada. |
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How to Change Your DLI in Canada?
It is important to understand the proper procedure of Change of DLI in Canada. The process for changing schools or programs can vary depending on your situation. Here is an in-depth guide to help you explore how to change DLI in Canada?
1. Changing from Primary to Secondary School Levels
If you are transitioning from primary to secondary school levels in Canada, you do not need to apply for a new study permit. As long as your current study permit remains valid and does not have any conditions that restrict this change, you can move between these levels without any issues. This rule applies whether you’re staying at the same DLI or switching to a new one. It’s important to confirm that your study permit has no conditions limiting your change before making this move.
Scenario | What You Need to Do | Study Permit Requirement |
Moving from primary to secondary levels | No need to apply for a new study permit if the current one is valid and has no restrictions. | No new permit required unless restrictions exist. |
2. Changing DLIs within Primary or Secondary School Levels
If you are changing schools within primary or secondary education, you generally do not need to apply for a new study permit, provided that your study permit remains valid. The key factor here is that the conditions of your study permit should allow such a change. If there are restrictions, you may need to address them before switching schools or programs.
Scenario | What You Need to Do | Study Permit Requirement |
Changing schools within primary or secondary levels | You don’t need to apply for a new study permit as long as the current one remains valid and has no restrictions. | No new permit required unless there are restrictions on the permit. |
3. Moving from Secondary to Post-Secondary Levels
When moving from secondary to post-secondary education, the process is different. You must apply for a new study permit if you are transitioning from high school to a college or university. This is essential to maintain your legal status as a student in Canada. Additionally, if you finish your secondary studies earlier than expected, your study permit will expire 90 days after you complete your secondary studies, regardless of the original expiration date on your study permit. It is critical to understand this deadline to avoid issues with staying in Canada after finishing your studies.
Scenario | What You Need to Do | Study Permit Requirement |
Moving from secondary to post-secondary education | Apply for a new study permit for post-secondary education. If secondary studies are completed early, permit expires 90 days after completion. | Apply for a new study permit. Expiry is 90 days post-secondary completion. |
4. Changing from Post-Secondary to Secondary Levels
If you want to switch from post-secondary education back to secondary school, you will need to apply for a new study permit. The regulations require that you have a separate permit for secondary education if you’ve previously been enrolled in a post-secondary institution. You cannot continue with the same study permit for secondary education.
Scenario | What You Need to Do | Study Permit Requirement |
Moving from post-secondary to secondary education | Apply for a new study permit if you want to attend secondary school after post-secondary studies. | Apply for a new study permit for secondary education. |
5. Switching Programs within the Same DLI at Post-Secondary Level
If you are changing programs within the same post-secondary DLI, you do not need to apply for a new study permit. However, it is important to make sure that you still meet all the conditions listed on your current study permit. If there are specific requirements tied to your initial program, such as co-op work permits or restrictions on program types, you should review those details to ensure that the change does not affect your permit’s validity.
Scenario | What You Need to Do | Study Permit Requirement |
Switching programs within the same post-secondary DLI | You do not need a new study permit as long as you continue to meet the conditions outlined in your current study permit | No new permit required as long as conditions of the permit are met. |
6. Changing DLIs at the Post-Secondary Level
When changing from one post-secondary DLI to another, you will need to apply for a new study permit. As of November 8, 2024, Canadian immigration rules will require students to apply for a new study permit when they change schools at the post-secondary level.
The new institution must be listed on the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list and should not be on the suspension list.
If you are enrolled in a co-op program and plan to move to a new DLI that offers a co-op program, you will also need to apply for a new co-op work permit to remain compliant with immigration regulations.
Scenario | What You Need to Do | Study Permit Requirement |
Switching from one post-secondary DLI to another | Apply for a new study permit if changing DLIs at the post-secondary level. Ensure the new DLI is on the approved list. | Apply for a new study permit. Ensure the DLI is approved and not suspended. |
7. If Your Application is Still in Progress
If you have already applied for a study permit and your application is still being processed, you can change your DLI by submitting updated information to Canadian immigration authorities. To do this, provide a new letter of acceptance from the new DLI. Additionally, if required, you should submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter. This information can be submitted through the IRCC web form to update your application.
Scenario | What You Need to Do | Study Permit Requirement |
Changing DLI while application is still in progress | Submit a new letter of acceptance from the new DLI, and a provincial/territorial attestation letter (if required). | Update your application with the new DLI information through the IRCC web form. |
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Documents You Need for Changing Your DLI in Canada
When applying for a new study permit to change your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, it is important to ensure that you include all the necessary documents for a smooth transition.
These documents will help prove that you are eligible to change your school while your new study permit application is in progress. Here’s a breakdown of the essential documents you will need:
1. Letter Explaining Why You’re Changing Schools:
This letter is an essential part of your application. It should clearly explain the reasons for your transfer and why you wish to change your DLI. Be specific and provide all necessary details to help the authorities understand the purpose of your move.
2. Documents Proving Eligibility:
You must provide supporting documents that prove you meet the eligibility criteria for studying at the new DLI. This may include evidence such as:
- A new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your new DLI.
- Any documents that prove the closure, suspension, or discontinuation of your previous DLI, if applicable.
- Proof that you have been living in Canada since receiving the LOA from your new school.
3. IRCC Web Form Submission:
If your application for a study permit is still in progress and you wish to change your DLI, you can submit these documents through the IRCC web form. This helps in ensuring that your application is processed without unnecessary delays.
Document | Description |
Letter Explaining the Change | A letter explaining why you’re changing schools or programs, providing context for your transfer. |
Documents Proving Eligibility | Documents that demonstrate you meet the criteria for studying at your new DLI while your new study permit is in progress. |
IRCC Web Form | If your current study permit application is still in progress, submit the necessary documents via the IRCC web form. |
When You Can Start Studying at Your New DLI?
While waiting for a decision on your new study permit application, you may want to start studying at your new DLI. However, there are specific criteria that you need to meet before you are allowed to do so. You can only start studying at the new DLI if:
Condition | What It Means | What You Can Do |
Stayed in Canada | You have been in Canada since receiving your acceptance letter (LOA) from the new school. | This shows your move is valid and you can continue your studies without disruption. |
Meeting Study Permit Conditions | You are following all the rules of your current study permit, like being a full-time student. | As long as you are meeting the conditions of your study permit, you can apply to transfer to the new DLI. |
DLI Closed | Your old school has shut down. | You can transfer to a new school without waiting for approval on your new study permit. |
Program Discontinuation | Your program at the old school was canceled. | You can transfer to a new school that offers a similar program to continue your studies. |
DLI Suspension | Your old school is temporarily suspended by the Canadian government. | You can transfer to a new school while your study permit application is being processed. |
Loss of Designated Status | Your old school is no longer approved by the Canadian government. | You can transfer to another approved school to keep your study permit valid and continue your studies. |
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Conclusion
Changing your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an important step for international students in Canada, whether due to academic struggles, program transfers, or personal reasons. By following the correct procedure and ensuring all necessary documents are in place, students can change effortlessly to a new DLI without jeopardizing their study permit status.
Always verify the new DLI’s approval and comply to immigration regulations to maintain legal standing in Canada. Understanding these steps ensures that students can continue their studies and achieve their academic goals without interruption.
We hope this blog gives you a complete overview of Change DLI in Canada for International Students. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
Ans. In most cases, yes. If you are transferring to a new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is located in a different province or offers a significantly different program, you will need to apply for a new study permit. However, if you are transferring to a different program at the same DLI, you might not need a new study permit. Always verify the requirements by checking with Canadian immigration authorities or your school’s international student office.
Ans. To change your DLI, you’ll need the following documents:
Your current study permit number (found on your study permit).
Your new school’s DLI number (available on the list of Canadian DLI numbers).
Your new student ID number (which you’ll receive upon acceptance into your new program).
Your program’s start date at the new DLI. You will submit these details through your online account with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Ans. Yes, if you meet certain conditions, you can continue studying at your new DLI while waiting for your new study permit. If you are transferring within Canada and your current study permit remains valid, you may be able to maintain legal status as long as you’ve submitted the new study permit application and are enrolled at a designated institution. Make sure to check with your school and Canadian immigration authorities for specific advice regarding your situation.
Ans. If your current DLI loses its designation or closes, it is crucial that you transfer to another DLI to maintain the validity of your study permit. If your DLI closes permanently, you will need to apply to another recognized institution. You may need to submit a new study permit application if you are moving to a new province or if the new program is significantly different. Be sure to follow all official procedures to avoid disruption to your studies.
Ans. Changing your DLI due to personal reasons, like family matters or health issues, is possible. However, you must ensure the new institution is a designated learning institution and complies with Canadian immigration regulations. If the transfer involves moving to a different province or changing your program significantly, you may need to apply for a new study permit. It’s also important to confirm that your transfer will not affect your eligibility for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) or other immigration benefits.
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