CANADA

Study Permit Extension for New DLI

Study Permit Extension for New DLI in Canada – Complete Guide

Many international students in Canada decide to change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) due to academic, career, or personal reasons. If your study permit is expiring and you are moving to a new DLI, you must apply for a Study Permit Extension for New DLI to remain legally in Canada.

In this detailed guide, Globexa Immigration explains the complete process, eligibility, required documents, financial proof, SOP requirements, and common refusal reasons for study permit extension when changing your DLI.

1. What Is a Study Permit Extension for New DLI?

A Study Permit Extension for New DLI is required when:

  • Your current study permit is expiring, and

  • You are transferring to a different college or university in Canada, or

  • Your DLI number is changing

Changing your DLI makes your application more sensitive, and IRCC carefully checks your genuine student intent.

2. What Is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)?

A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is a school approved by the Canadian government to host international students.

If your new institution has a different DLI number, you must:

  1. Update your DLI on the IRCC portal, and

  2. Apply for a study permit extension if your permit does not cover the new program duration

3. Who Needs to Apply for Study Permit Extension for New DLI?

You must apply if:

  • Your study permit will expire before completing the new program

  • You are switching colleges or universities

  • You are moving from a private to public institution (or vice versa)

  • Your academic level or program has changed significantly

4. Eligibility Criteria for New DLI Study Permit Extension

You are eligible if:

  • You are legally present in Canada

  • You have a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new DLI

  • You maintained compliance with your previous study permit

  • Your program change is logical and career-oriented

  • You can show sufficient financial support

5. When Should You Apply?

You should apply:

  • At least 30 days before your current study permit expires

Important:
  • Applying before expiry gives you maintained (implied) status

  • You can continue studying under previous conditions until a decision is made

  • Late applications increase refusal risk

6. Documents Required for Study Permit Extension (New DLI)

Mandatory Documents:
  • Valid passport (covering entire new program duration)

  • Current study permit

  • New Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from the new DLI

  • Enrollment confirmation

  • Academic transcripts from previous institution

  • Tuition fee receipt or payment proof

  • Proof of funds

  • Digital photograph

  • IMM 5709 form

Strong Supporting Documents:
  • Detailed SOP / Explanation Letter

  • Gap justification (if any)

  • Medical exam (if required)

  • Previous refusal explanation (if applicable)

7. Proof of Funds for New DLI Applications

Financial proof is very important when changing DLIs.

You should show:

  • Paid or outstanding tuition fees

  • Living expenses as per IRCC guidelines

  • Bank statements (last 4–6 months)

  • Education loan sanction letter (if applicable)

  • GIC (recommended)

Weak finances are a common refusal reason in New DLI cases.

8. SOP for Study Permit Extension – New DLI

Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) must clearly explain:

  • Why you are changing your DLI

  • Why the previous program was not suitable

  • How the new program aligns with your career goals

  • Academic continuity and progression

  • Strong intention to comply with Canadian immigration laws

A weak or copied SOP can result in refusal under R216(1)

9. Can You Work While Your Application Is in Process?

If you apply before study permit expiry:

  • You can continue studying

  • You can work as per your previous permit conditions

If you apply after expiry:

  • You cannot work or study until approval

10. Common Refusal Reasons for New DLI Cases

  • Unclear reason for changing institution

  • Academic downgrade without explanation

  • Weak financial proof

  • Inconsistent study history

  • Poorly drafted SOP

  • Applying late or after permit expiry

Why Choose Globexa Immigration?

At Globexa Immigration, we specialize in:

  • New DLI study permit extensions

  • Strong SOP drafting for program changes

  • Financial documentation review

  • IRCC-compliant application filing

  • Refusal-risk assessment

We ensure your case reflects a genuine student intent with maximum approval chances.