Navigating the New IRCC Policy for International Students: DLI Transfers and Study Permit Extensions
As of November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented significant changes to the International Student Program, affecting how international students transfer between Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) and manage study permit extensions.
New IRCC Policy: No Enrollment at New DLIs Without a New Study Permit
Under the updated regulations, international students can no longer enroll at a new DLI by simply notifying IRCC through their online account. Instead, students must apply for and obtain a new study permit before transferring to a different post-secondary DLI. This change, effective November 8, 2024, aims to enhance program integrity, ensure compliance, and address challenges within Canada’s international education system.
However, IRCC introduced transitional measures for students transferring for the Winter or Spring 2025 semesters. Students can begin studying at a new DLI while their study permit extension is being processed, provided they meet specific conditions:
Acceptance: Have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new DLI for Winter or Spring 2025.
Application Submitted: Have applied for a study permit extension with the new DLI’s details.
Valid Permit: Hold a valid study permit (even if it names the previous DLI).
Compliance: Continue meeting all conditions of their current study permit, such as full-time enrollment and academic progress.
For transfers after Spring 2025, students must wait for the new study permit approval before starting studies at the new DLI, unless their previous DLI faced issues like closure, program discontinuation, suspension, or loss of designation status.
Process for Transferring Schools
Transferring to a new DLI requires careful planning and adherence to IRCC’s new process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Secure Admission: Obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new DLI, ensuring it is on IRCC’s official DLI list and not on the suspension list.
Apply for a Study Permit Extension: Submit an online application to extend your study permit, specifying the new DLI. This is mandatory for post-secondary students and replaces the previous process of updating DLI details online.
Include Required Documents: Upload all necessary documents (detailed below) via the IRCC secure account or web form if the application is already in progress.
Verify Eligibility for Early Enrollment: For Winter/Spring 2025 transfers, confirm you meet the criteria to start studying while the application is processed. Otherwise, wait for study permit approval.
Update IRCC Records: Once approved, ensure the new DLI is reflected on your study permit to maintain compliance.
Special Considerations:
Quebec Students: Obtain a new Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if transferring between schools, except for vocational training centres.
Co-op Programs: Apply for a new co-op work permit if transferring to a co-op program at the new DLI.
Failure to follow this process can lead to serious consequences, including study permit cancellation, removal from Canada, or ineligibility for future permits like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Documents Required for Study Permit Extensions
When applying for a study permit extension to transfer to a new DLI, students must submit the following documents through the IRCC online portal:
Letter of Acceptance (LOA): A new LOA from the new DLI, issued on official letterhead, detailing tuition fees, program start and end dates, and registration deadline.
Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL): Required as of January 22, 2025, for most study permit applications, unless exempt (e.g., extending at the same DLI or level of study). Check with your new DLI for issuance.
Letter of Explanation: A document explaining the reason for transferring schools (e.g., better academic fit, program quality, or career alignment). For high school to post-secondary transitions, clarify the pursuit of further education.
Valid Passport: A copy of the passport’s biographical page.
Current Study Permit: A copy of your existing study permit.
Proof of Funds: Financial documents (e.g., bank statements, scholarship letters) proving you can support yourself in Canada.
Academic Records: Transcripts or enrollment proof from the current DLI to demonstrate active study.
Biometrics: If not provided within the last 10 years, biometrics are required for applications submitted from within Canada.
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): If transferring to a school in Quebec, unless exempt.
For students already in Canada, apply at least 30 days before the current study permit expires to maintain implied status, allowing continued study under the same conditions until a decision is made.
Key Considerations and Tips
Compliance is Critical: DLIs report enrollment status to IRCC twice yearly. Non-enrollment at the DLI named on your permit can lead to investigations and enforcement actions.
PGWP Eligibility: Transferring schools may impact PGWP eligibility, especially if the new program doesn’t meet field-of-study or language requirements for applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024.
Plan Early: IRCC processing times for study permit extensions can be lengthy. Apply early, especially if your permit is nearing expiry.
Consult Experts: Seek advice from your DLI’s international student advisors or a immigration representative to ensure compliance.
