Unsatisfied with your Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or the course you’re studying in Canada? Well, there is good news for you. You can learn how to change your DLI or course in Canada in our informative blog today. However, you must inform Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stating your reason or any changes you make regarding your DLI or Course.

Don’t worry; you do not need to change your study permit or submit a separate application stating those reasons on your study permit. But, once you stop studying at your current university or institution, you’ll get the freedom of 150 days to choose a new course in another DLI listed college or university. 

If you fail during that duration, you will be considered non-compliance with your study permit conditions. Let’s learn about it in more depth.

How to Change Your DLI or Course in Canada?

Changing your Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or course as an international student in Canada is a feasible process. By conducting thorough research, maintaining open communication with relevant institutions, and adhering to the guidelines set by IRCC. Here is how you can do it:

Make an Online Account on IRCC: The first step is to make an online account on the IRCC website. If you have applied for your study permit on paper, it is advised to create a secure account on the official website and then link your application.

Study Permit Number: The study Permit Number usually begins with the letter “S” and can be noticed at the top right of the permit. To secure it, IRCC may ask you to enter a few of your details from your application, so keep that in mind as well.

New Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number: You must provide your new DLI number on your application. It can be found on the list of designated learning institutions.

New Student Identification Number (Student ID): The new student identification number, also called Student ID sent by your new school to you. Complete this final step, and you’re done.

Also, you do not need an external representative to change your DLI. This whole process has already been explained and found on the IRCC website. Just follow the tips, and you can do everything independently if you have your study permit application details.

What Happens If You Change Schools without Telling the IRCC?

Changing schools without informing Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can have severe consequences for international students in Canada. It is crucial to understand that the IRCC requires accurate and up-to-date information regarding your designated learning institution (DLI) and study permit status. Failing to notify the IRCC about a change in schools can result in the following ramifications:

• Your previous school will report that you are no longer registered as a student.

• It breaks the conditions of your study permit and can cause a severe consequences of not informing the IRCC about changing schools.

• Report the change to avoid being asked to leave the country.

• Not telling the IRCC about the change can have long-term implications, such as being denied future study or work permits in Canada.

• It is essential to comply with the requirement to update your school information to avoid these potential consequences.

How to Change Your DLI if You Are Outside of Canada?

Here is the process for changing your Designated Learning Institute (DLI) if you are outside of Canada:

• Find a new DLI in Canada that suits your academic interests and goals.

• Contact the admissions office of the new DLI and follow their application process to apply for admission to your desired program.

• Once accepted by the new DLI, they will provide you with a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) confirming your admission.

• Contact your country's nearest Canadian visa office and inform them about the change in your DLI. Please provide them with the new LOA and any other required documents.

• Complete the application for a new study permit through the online portal or by using paper forms, following the instructions provided by the visa office.

• Pay the required application fee for the study permit.

• Gather and submit any supporting documents requested by the visa office, such as proof of financial support, medical examinations, or police certificates.

• Once your study permit application is approved, the visa office will issue your new one with the updated DLI information.

• With your approved study permit, make travel arrangements to come to Canada and attend the new DLI.

• Upon arrival, notify the new DLI about your appearance and provide them with a copy of your study permit.

For Student Studying in Quebec

Some rules and regulations for changing your DLI or Course in another province, i.e., Quebec, are different from that of other regions of Canada. So, if you are changing your Designated Learning Institute (DLI) from outside Quebec to one within Quebec, there are additional steps you need to follow.

Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): Contact the ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). This certificate is required for international students studying in Quebec.

Contact the Ministry: If you are already studying in Quebec and want to change your educational institution, program, or level of study, reach out to the ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration for guidance and instructions.

Follow Instructions: The ministry will provide the necessary steps to proceed with the change. Follow their instructions carefully and provide any required documentation or information.

Obtain the CAQ: Complete the application process for the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) as instructed by the ministry. Ensure you provide all the necessary information and supporting documents.

Receive the CAQ: Once your CAQ application is approved, you will receive the Quebec Acceptance Certificate. This certificate confirms your eligibility to study in Quebec.

Update Study Permit: With the CAQ, contact the nearest Canadian visa office to update your study permit. Inform them about the change in your DLI and provide the new CAQ and any other requested documents.

Travel to Quebec: With your updated study permit, make travel arrangements to Quebec and attend your new DLI.