A recent Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announcement in the Canadian Gazette by has attracted interest due to some proposed changes to Canada’s international student program.

Of particular note among the proposed changes is IRCC’s suggestion that international students who wish to change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada must apply for a new study permit. DLIs are the only schools in Canada that are approved to accept international students, and as such must follow the regulations set out by IRCC.

What is IRCC proposing for international students looking to change schools in Canada?

Per the release IRCC is proposing (among other changes) that:

• Students who wish to switch DLIs must submit an application for a new study permit before the start date of the new program; and
• Students will be able to attend the new DLI without a valid study permit until a decision is made on the application, provided they remain in Canada and comply with all other conditions of their current study permit.

Important to note this is only a proposal at this stage and remains to be seen if IRCC will adopt the changes.