Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new rules for international students transferring between Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
Effective immediately, students must apply for a study permit extension before transferring schools. This replaces the previous process of notifying IRCC online about school changes.
The updated procedure aims to enhance compliance, improve accountability, and address systemic challenges in Canada’s international education sector. Students are now responsible for ensuring their transfer aligns with the conditions of their study permits. Also, institutions must report accurate information regarding their international student enrollments.
Under the new rules, the receiving institution must be on the approved DLI list, not the suspension list. Students transferring to institutions in Quebec must also meet provincial requirements, including obtaining a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Students can only begin studying at their new institution under specific conditions, such as holding a valid study permit and submitting a permit extension application.
Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to severe consequences. Students who change DLIs without the required permit extension risk having their study permits canceled.
Violations may result in removal from Canada or restrictions on obtaining future permits. Institutions must also comply with stricter oversight standards to retain their DLI designation.
The changes are part of broader reforms to Canada’s international student program. These include regional caps on study permits, increased student financial requirements, and enhanced oversight of DLIs. Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility has also been updated, linking access to specific programs and institutions.
Canada has experienced a surge in international student enrollment, putting pressure on infrastructure, housing, and institutional resources. These measures are intended to strengthen the system’s integrity, prevent unauthorized study, and ensure that international students receive quality education.
IRCC emphasizes the importance of compliance with the new DLI transfer process to avoid interruptions in education and immigration status. As Canada refines its international student policies, these changes signal a commitment to balancing growth with sustainability and student success.
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