Here’s a guide for international students in Canada on how they can switch their Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

International students can switch to a different Designated Learning Institution (DLI) after arriving in Canada on a study permit.

It’s completely normal for international students to change schools in Canada, but it’s important to do it the right way. If you don’t inform the IRCC, you might not meet the conditions of your study permit, which could cause problems when applying for a work permit after graduation or even lead to deportation.

Quick Navigation

• When international students can change their DLI
• Steps to change the DLI:
  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
• Can I switch my DLI while in Canada?

When can international students change their DLI

You can change your DLI while your study visa application is still being processed, after it’s approved but before you enter Canada, or even after you arrive in Canada and receive your study permit at the airport.

You can switch your DLI before starting classes for your chosen intake or even after completing your first semester.

International students typically have 150 days from the time they stop attending classes at their current college or university to enroll in a program at another DLI.

How to change the DLI

Whenever you decide to change your post-secondary institution, you must inform the IRCC.

However, you don’t need to make any changes to your study permit conditions.

Simply follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1

First, obtain an offer letter from the new course or college/university in Canada. This is the initial step in the process.

Since it might take some time for colleges or universities to issue an offer letter, it’s best to wait until you receive it before taking any further actions.

Step 2

Log in to the GCKey account you used when you first applied for your study visa. If you applied through an agent or consultant and don’t have your own GCKey credentials, you can either:

1. Ask your agent or consultant for the GCKey details, if they have them, or
2. Create a new GCKey account and link it to your study permit application.

After logging into your GCKey account, under the ‘Transfer from DLI number’ section, click on ‘Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer‘

Step 3

Enter your current study permit application number and click the ‘Search for my application’ button.

Your study permit number starts with the letter ‘S’ and is found in the upper right corner of your permit.

If needed, you might also have to provide extra details about your original study permit application, as listed below:

Step 4

Enter the new DLI number, your new Student ID number, and the start date of your new school from the acceptance letter you received in Step 1. Then click the ‘Submit Transfer’ button.

After clicking ‘Submit Transfer,’ you’ll be asked to review the details you provided about the new DLI.

Once you click ‘Submit Transfer,’ you’ll be prompted to check the details you entered about the new DLI.

All done! Your transfer to the new DLI is now complete.

Can I switch my DLI while in Canada?

Yes, international students in Canada can change their DLI or program, but they must follow the correct steps to inform IRCC about the change.

If you don’t do this, you could face problems, including possible deportation and difficulties applying for a work permit after graduation due to not meeting your study permit conditions.