Transfer Requirements and Process
Understanding DLI to DLI Transfers
Your study permit allows you to study at any DLI in Canada, but transfers aren’t automatic. The fundamental requirement is that both your current and destination institutions must hold valid DLI status at the time of transfer.
What this means for you: Check your target institution’s DLI number and status on the IRCC website before applying. Some institutions lose DLI status, which would make your transfer invalid.
IRCC Notification Obligations
You must notify IRCC of your institutional change through your online account or by submitting form IMM 5709 within 10 days of starting at your new institution. This isn’t a new application—it’s a status update that maintains your permit validity.
The notification must include:
- Your new institution’s DLI number
- Your new program of study details
- Start date at the new institution
- Your new letter of acceptance
Real mistake we’ve seen— Students notifying IRCC before actually starting at the new institution. The 10-day countdown begins from your first day of classes, not from acceptance or enrollment.
New Letter of Acceptance Requirements
Your new institution must provide a valid letter of acceptance that meets IRCC standards. This isn’t just an enrollment confirmation—it must include specific elements that immigration officers expect to see.
Required elements in your acceptance letter:
- Institution’s full legal name and DLI number
- Your complete program details and duration
- Expected start and completion dates
- Confirmation of your acceptance status
- Any conditions of acceptance
If you’re applying from India, Nigeria, or other high-refusal-rate countries: Ensure your acceptance letter explicitly states your academic qualifications and how they meet program requirements. Officers scrutinize these applications more carefully.
Study Permit Validity During Transfer
Your current study permit remains valid throughout the transfer process, provided you maintain continuous enrollment. There’s no gap in your legal status when done correctly.
What this means for you: You can legally remain in Canada and continue working (if eligible) during the transfer process. Your permit conditions don’t change until you notify IRCC of the transfer.
Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Submit your IRCC notification as soon as you start classes at your new institution, even if within the same week. Early notification prevents any potential compliance questions.
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Types of Institutional Transfers
Same Program Level Transfers
Transferring between institutions at the same academic level (bachelor’s to bachelor’s, master’s to master’s) represents the simplest transfer scenario. Your study permit conditions typically remain unchanged, and credit transfer is often more straightforward.
What this means for you: These transfers rarely require study permit modifications beyond the IRCC notification. Your work eligibility and permit duration usually stay the same.
Program Level Changes
Moving between academic levels (diploma to degree, bachelor’s to master’s) may require study permit amendments depending on your current permit’s validity period and conditions.
Real mistake we’ve seen— Students assuming their current permit automatically covers higher-level programs. Check your permit’s education level restrictions before transferring up.
If you’re applying from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or other countries with additional scrutiny: Document your academic progression clearly. Officers want to see logical educational pathways, not random program changes.
Provincial Transfers
Transferring between provinces involves additional considerations, particularly regarding healthcare coverage and potential provincial nominee program implications if you’re planning to apply for permanent residence.
What this means for you: Your study permit allows interprovincial transfers, but you may need to update provincial healthcare registration and inform any provincial programs you’re enrolled in.
Public to Private Institution Moves
Transfers from public to private institutions (or vice versa) may affect your post-graduation work permit eligibility and require careful documentation of your academic rationale.
Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: If transferring to a private institution, document clear academic or career advancement reasons. Immigration officers may question transfers that appear financially motivated.
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Transfer Application Process
Application to New Institution
Begin your institutional application process at least 3-4 months before your intended start date. Competitive programs may have earlier deadlines, and you’ll need time for credit evaluation and acceptance processing.
What this means for you: Don’t wait until your current program ends to start the transfer process. Gaps in enrollment can complicate your status and affect future applications.
Acceptance Letter Requirements
Your new institution’s acceptance letter must meet immigration standards, not just academic enrollment requirements. Many schools provide letters that lack necessary immigration details.
Real mistake we’ve seen— Students accepting generic enrollment confirmations instead of proper immigration acceptance letters. Request specifically that your letter includes all IRCC-required elements.
Work with your new institution’s international student office to ensure your letter includes:
- Specific program start and end dates
- Full program title and level
- Any prerequisite completions required
- Fee payment confirmation or schedule
Credit Transfer Considerations
Credit transfers can significantly impact your program duration and study permit validity. Substantial credit recognition may shorten your program beyond your current permit’s expiry date.
What this means for you: Calculate how credit transfers affect your total study duration before finalizing your transfer. You may need a permit extension if credits extend your studies, or face early completion if many credits transfer.
If you’re transferring from international credentials: Canadian institutions evaluate international credits differently. Get preliminary credit assessments before committing to the transfer.
Financial Implications
Transfer costs extend beyond new tuition fees. Consider application fees, potential loss of paid tuition at your current institution, and possible changes to your funding arrangements.
Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Document your financial capacity for the new program in case IRCC requests updated financial information during permit extensions or renewals.
IRCC Compliance Requirements
Reporting Obligations
Beyond the initial transfer notification, you must maintain accurate information in your IRCC account throughout your studies. This includes address changes, program modifications, and any breaks in studies.
What this means for you: Set up automatic reminders to review and update your IRCC account information every three months. Outdated information can delay future applications.
Study Permit Amendment Needs
Most institutional transfers don’t require permit amendments, but certain changes trigger amendment requirements. These include significant program level changes or conditions modifications.
Real mistake we’ve seen— Students assuming all transfers require amendments and submitting unnecessary applications. This creates processing delays and additional fees.
You typically need an amendment only if:
- Your new program requires different permit conditions
- Your transfer changes your academic level significantly
- Your new program extends beyond your current permit validity
Processing Times for Changes
IRCC notification processing currently takes 2-3 weeks for straightforward transfers. Complex cases or incomplete information can extend processing to 6-8 weeks.
If you’re from countries requiring additional security screening: Factor in potentially longer processing times and ensure all documentation is complete on first submission.
Documentation Requirements
Maintain copies of all transfer-related documents, including your old and new acceptance letters, IRCC correspondence, and institutional communication. This documentation supports future applications and addresses any compliance questions.
Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Create a digital transfer file with timestamps for all documents and communications. This proves your compliance timeline if questions arise.
Common Transfer Scenarios
Academic Performance Issues
Transferring due to academic difficulties requires careful handling to avoid negative implications for your immigration status. Document legitimate academic reasons and show how the new program addresses previous challenges.
What this means for you: Don’t frame transfers as escaping academic problems. Present them as strategic moves toward better program fits or career alignment.
Program Dissatisfaction
Dissatisfaction with your current program is a valid transfer reason, but documentation should focus on positive aspects of your new choice rather than criticisms of your current situation.
Real mistake we’ve seen— Students emphasizing negative experiences with their current institution in transfer documentation. Focus on how the new program better serves your career goals.
Geographic Preferences
Location-based transfers are common and generally well-received by immigration officers, especially when tied to specific opportunities or family considerations.
If you’re considering transfers for family reunification reasons: Document family connections clearly, as this strengthens your ties to Canada and supports future permanent residence applications.
Financial Considerations
Cost-motivated transfers require careful presentation to avoid suggesting financial instability. Frame transfers as strategic financial management rather than desperate cost-cutting.
What this means for you: If transferring to reduce costs, emphasize the academic value and career outcomes of your new program choice alongside financial benefits.
Transfer Risks and Considerations
Study Permit Validity Concerns
The primary risk in any transfer is maintaining continuous legal status. Gaps between programs or improper notifications can create compliance issues that affect future applications.
Real mistake we’ve seen— Students taking extended breaks between institutions without proper authorization. Maintain enrollment continuity or apply for authorized breaks.
Processing Delays
Transfer processing delays can affect your start date at the new institution and potentially impact housing, funding, or other arrangements.
What this means for you: Build buffer time into your transfer timeline and have contingency plans for potential delays.
Credit Transfer Challenges
Unexpected credit transfer outcomes can significantly alter your study timeline and permit requirements. Some credits may not transfer as expected, extending your program duration.
Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Get written credit evaluations before finalizing transfers and factor potential discrepancies into your planning.
Financial Implications
Beyond direct costs, transfers can affect funding eligibility, scholarship continuity, and work authorization. Some funding sources don’t transfer between institutions.
If you’re on provincial funding or scholarships: Verify transfer policies with funding bodies before committing to institutional changes.
Resources from AVID
📎 Institutional Transfer Checklist Complete step-by-step checklist covering all transfer requirements and deadlines
📝 Sample Transfer Notification Letter Template for notifying IRCC of your institutional change with all required elements
📄 Credit Transfer Assessment Worksheet Tool to evaluate potential credit recognition and program duration impacts
🧠 Transfer Compliance FAQ Answers to the most common questions about maintaining status during transfers
💬 Need peace of mind? Let one of our experts walk you through your institutional transfer strategy.
At AVID, we understand that every transfer situation is unique. Our seasoned immigration experts have successfully guided hundreds of students through complex institutional transfers, ensuring compliance while maximizing academic and career outcomes.
Whether you’re navigating credit transfers, managing timeline pressures, or ensuring proper IRCC compliance, our expert guidance eliminates guesswork and provides the confidence you need for a successful transition.
What this means for you: Unlike popular belief, you don’t need a new study permit for most institutional transfers—but you do need to follow specific notification protocols that many students miss.
The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks for notification processing, though institutional acceptance and credit transfers can extend this timeline significantly. Success depends on maintaining continuous enrollment status and meeting all reporting obligations.
Real mistake we’ve seen— Students assuming they can transfer without notifying IRCC until their next permit renewal. This creates compliance issues that can affect future applications and extensions.
Ready to take control of your transfer process? Our Immigration Simplified resource hub provides expert-designed tools and guidance for students who want to navigate their visa journey with confidence.