Canada · study · guide
Changing schools in Canada: study permit requirements
How to update your study permit when you switch to a different school in Canada.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 12 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/change-schools.html
Choosing a new school
The school you plan to change to must be a designated learning institution (DLI).[1]
If you hold a visitor record and attend secondary school, you must apply for and be approved for a study permit before starting post-secondary studies.[2]
Applying for a new study permit
You must get a new study permit by applying to extend your current one before you can start studying at your new designated learning institution (DLI).[3]
You must indicate that you are changing schools when applying online by selecting 'Yes' to the applicable question.[4]
If you change schools after your study permit is approved while outside Canada, you must submit a new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance.[5]
Documents you must submit
You must include a letter explaining why you are changing schools when you apply.[6]
You must include a new, valid provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL) unless you meet an exception.[7]
If you are moving to a school in Quebec, you must obtain and submit an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) with your study permit application.[8]
Fees and timing
You must pay all the fees for the new study permit application if you change schools while outside Canada.[9]
You must obtain a new PAL or TAL before submitting your application.[10]
After you submit your application
You must follow the instructions in the email from IRCC by the specified date to confirm your enrollment and active study status.[11]
You must stop studying immediately if your study permit extension application is refused.[12]
Checklist
- Confirm your new school is a designated learning institution (DLI)[1]
- Obtain a new provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL) before applying[10]
- Write an explanation letter stating why you are changing schools[6]
- Get an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if moving to Quebec[8]
- Select 'Yes' to the school change question in your online application[4]
Questions people ask
Can I change to any school in Canada?
No. The school you plan to change to must be a designated learning institution (DLI).[1]
Do I need a new study permit to change schools?
Yes. You must get a new study permit by applying to extend your current one before you can start studying at your new designated learning institution (DLI).[3]
What happens if I change schools while outside Canada?
If you change schools after your study permit is approved while outside Canada, you must submit a new study permit application with a new letter of acceptance. You must also pay all the fees for this new application.[5][9]
What happens if my study permit extension is refused?
You must stop studying immediately if your study permit extension application is refused.[12]
Do I need a provincial attestation letter to change schools?
Yes. You must include a new, valid provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL) unless you meet an exception. You must obtain this letter before submitting your application.[7][10]
How do I confirm my enrollment status after applying?
You must follow the instructions in the email from IRCC by the specified date to confirm your enrollment and active study status.[11]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.