Regulation 219 — International students — permitted study
Text of provision
(1) A study permit must not be issued to a foreign national unless
(a) in the case of an application for a study permit that names a designated learning institution that is a post-secondary institution, that designated learning institution has provided confirmation to the Minister in accordance with paragraph 222.1(1)(a), subject to any extension granted under subsection 222.1(2), that the designated learning institution has accepted the foreign national to the course or program of study that is indicated in the application for the study permit; and
(b) in any other case, the foreign national has provided written documentation from the designated learning institution where they intend to study that states that they have been accepted to study there.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a foreign national who applies for a study permit before entering Canada if they are an accompanying family member of a foreign national whose application for a work permit or a study permit is approved in writing before their entry into Canada.
Plain English
Regulation 219 provides that a study permit holder may study at any DLI in Canada, not only at the institution for which the original permit was issued. However, if the student transfers to a different institution or program, they must notify IRCC and the permit conditions may need to be updated.
The study permit itself does not automatically authorise study at a different institution — the permit is issued for a specific program, and a material change of program may require a new permit or an amendment.
Practical effect
Transferring between institutions during a study permit period requires care. An institutional transfer that results in a shorter program may affect PGWP eligibility (the PGWP is based on the duration of the completed program). Students transferring to a shorter program may receive a shorter PGWP. Transfers must be reported to IRCC. In practice, many students transfer institutions without formally updating IRCC — this technical non-compliance can create problems at the PGWP application stage.