Change of designated learning institution (DLI)
Your study permit is valid for studies at a given DLI.
Quebec Acceptance Certificates (CAQ) issued after December 6, 2024, are also issued for a given DLI.
Changing your DLI requires you to change certain immigration documents.
Change of designated learning institution (DLI) prior to arrival in Canada
If the application for a study permit is still being processed: the change must be reported by submitting a new letter of admission using the IRCC web form. If the CAQ previously provided contains the name of the original DLI, if you change your level of study, or if a provincial attestation letter (PAL) is required for the new program to which you have been admitted, you must also attach a new CAQ containing the name of the new DLI. This CAQ also serves as a provincial attestation letter (PAL).
Select "Update or ask about your application." Then, choose "Add a document to your application." Answer the various questions and upload your new admission letter.
You will need to wait until you receive your new study permit in the mail, with the name of your new DLI, before traveling.
If you have already received the letter of introduction for the study permit: a new application for a study permit must be submitted. The application must include the new letter of admission and a new CAQ, which also serves as the PAL. The fees associated with the new application must also be paid.
Change of designated learning institution (DLI) after arriving in Canada
Starting in the Fall 2025 term, if you wish to change your DLI, you will need to obtain a new study permit issued in the name of the new institution.
Using your letter of acceptance from the new DLI, you must apply for a new CAQ if your current one was issued on or after December 6, 2024. You must then apply to extend your study permit. In both cases, you must include a letter explaining the reason for your change of institution. When applying for a study permit, this letter can be uploaded under the “Client Information” section.
Finally, please note that the CAQ also serves as your Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
You will need to wait until you receive your new study permit by mail, showing the name of your new DLI, before you can enroll in that institution.
For all the latest information, you can consult this IRCC web page, which describes the different scenarios.
To find out what to do if you change programs or levels of study within the same educational institution, see the Changing your program or level of study section.
To find out what to do in the event of part-time enrollment or study leave, see the Change of study program section.
To find out how to renew your study permit, consult the Extending your study permit section.
To find out information about the co-op work permit, see the Co-op work permit section.