Why is changing DLI so confusing?

[ProspectiveStudent]

CIC says that if I want to change DLI, I need a new study permit. But then it says that if I am changing post-secondary institutions then I don't need a new study permit. I am so confused about this.

Here's my situation:

I got my study permit through a uni in Alberta, but I got an offer from a uni in Toronto and I want to go there. I have not started studying at any uni and I will be arriving in Canada for the first time in a couple weeks.

I was planning on crossing the border and then changing my DLI to the new Toronto uni. Is that possible? Or do I need to study at the Alberta uni first?

I already have a study permit and TRV with the Alberta uni. If I accept the offer at the Toronto uni (through OUAC), does that mean my study permit is canceled?

Should I talk to a lawyer?

 

[niha76]

U need to apply for a new study permit

 

[Naturgrl]

CIC says that if I want to change DLI, I need a new study permit. But then it says that if I am changing post-secondary institutions then I don't need a new study permit. I am so confused about this.

Here's my situation:

I got my study permit through a uni in Alberta, but I got an offer from a uni in Toronto and I want to go there. I have not started studying at any uni and I will be arriving in Canada for the first time in a couple weeks.

I was planning on crossing the border and then changing my DLI to the new Toronto uni. Is that possible? Or do I need to study at the Alberta uni first?

I already have a study permit and TRV with the Alberta uni. If I accept the offer at the Toronto uni (through OUAC), does that mean my study permit is canceled?

Should I talk to a lawyer?

Don’t need a lawyer and it is not confusing. You need a new study permit if you have no intention of studying at U of A. If you study at U of A for one semester (actively studying) then you can change DLIs on your current permit.

 

[ProspectiveStudent]

Don’t need a lawyer and it is not confusing. You need a new study permit if you have no intention of studying at U of A. If you study at U of A for one semester (actively studying) then you can change DLIs on your current permit.

That's such a dumb rule. Why not just let me change? The Ontario uni is a lot higher ranked too.

 

[Naturgrl]

That's such a dumb rule. Why not just let me change? The Ontario uni is a lot higher ranked too.

Actually it is not but you are the exception. Too many people were coming to Canada with a study permit for U of T, McGill and then changing at the Port of Entry to a one year diploma at NAIT (or another college). Or got a study permit for a Masters and then changed to a diploma at POE.

 

[ProspectiveStudent]

Actually it is not but you are the exception. Too many people were coming to Canada with a study permit for U of T, McGill and then changing at the Port of Entry to a one year diploma at NAIT (or another college). Or got a study permit for a Masters and then changed to a diploma at POE.

I see. I understand what they are trying to prevent, but why not have a whitelist of universities and programs you can switch between freely? They already do research into unis to make sure they meet DLI standards, why not at least whitelist the top 50? I guess I will have to hope my new uni lets me defer and transfer credits after I spent six months at Alberta.

 

[ProspectiveStudent]

Actually it is not but you are the exception. Too many people were coming to Canada with a study permit for U of T, McGill and then changing at the Port of Entry to a one year diploma at NAIT (or another college). Or got a study permit for a Masters and then changed to a diploma at POE.

Also, one more question.

Is accepting an offer on OUAC going to cancel my study permit from my Alberta uni?

Like are they going to find out I accepted the offer already and then cancel my enrollment?

Or should I be safe and defer to next semester?

 

[Naturgrl]

Also, one more question.

Is accepting an offer on OUAC going to cancel my study permit from my Alberta uni?

Like are they going to find out I accepted the offer already and then cancel my enrollment?

Or should I be safe and defer to next semester?

Agree about your comments of changing to equivalent or upgraded program. IRCC would need to receive enough comments to make the change. Accepting an offer through OUAC should not cancel a permit, but applying for a new study permit may cancel the first one.

 

[ProspectiveStudent]

Agree about your comments of changing to equivalent or upgraded program. IRCC would need to receive enough comments to make the change. Accepting an offer through OUAC should not cancel a permit, but applying for a new study permit may cancel the first one.

Thank you for sharing so much information! It means a lot to me.