Changing Schools in Canada? You Might Need a New Study Permit (Here’s What to Know in 2025)

Thinking about switching schools while studying in Canada? Maybe your program isn’t what you expected. Maybe you want to move to a different city or a more affordable school. Or maybe you just realized you’d rather study something completely different.

Totally valid. But there’s something super important you need to know in 2025: 👉 If you switch schools (your Designated Learning Institution), you may need to apply for a new study permit.

Let’s break down how it works—without the confusing legal talk.

What’s Changed with School Transfers in Canada?

In the past, switching schools in Canada was a lot easier. You could change your program or institution, update IRCC online, and carry on with your studies.

But as of 2025, Canada has tightened the rules. Here’s why:

• The government is trying to crack down on fraud (like people using “fake” schools to get into Canada).

• They also want to make sure students are really attending the programs they signed up for.

So now: ✅ If you switch your school or program, you’ll often need to apply for a new study permit—not just update your old one.

When Do You Need a New Study Permit?

Here’s a simple way to remember it:

Situation	Do You Need a New Permit?
Changing your program but same school	No, just update IRCC
Changing to a different school (new DLI)	Yes, new study permit required

And if you’re switching between levels of study (for example, from college to university or from a language program to a diploma), you’ll also likely need a new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and a new permit.

Why Does This Matter?

If you don’t update your study permit correctly, you could:

• Lose your legal student status in Canada 😬

• Have issues applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) later

• Face difficulties renewing or extending your stay

In short: No permit, no studies, no work later.

How to Change Schools the Right Way in 2025

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to avoid headaches:

1. ✅ Get accepted into the new school (they’ll give you a new Letter of Acceptance).

2. ✅ Apply for a new study permit through your IRCC account.

3. ✅ Wait for approval before you start classes at the new school.

4. ✅ Once approved, update your DLI number online through IRCC

   
   

   📌 Pro tip: Give yourself at least 30–60 days to complete this process—Canada isn’t always quick with approvals.

   Can We Help? (Yes, We Can.)

   Changing schools in Canada can feel overwhelming—especially with new rules that are honestly a bit confusing. The good news? 👉 We can help you with every step of your school transfer and study permit application.

   We’ll help you: ✅ Choose the right new program ✅ Gather the right documents ✅ Apply for your new study permit without mistakes

   This way, you stay legal, stress-free, and on track for your future plans.

   
   

   Final Thoughts

   Changing schools is totally normal—it happens to tons of international students every year. Just make sure you follow the new rules and apply for the right permits so your dream of studying (and maybe staying) in Canada doesn’t get cut short.

   👉 Need help switching schools or applying for a new permit? Reach out to us today and we’ll help you through it.

   
   

   Changing Schools in Canada? You Might Need a New Study Permit