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Switching from a non-PGWP-eligible private college to a public DLI: change school, don't reapply

Canada • Study Permit • study 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • New letter of acceptance

    From the new, PGWP-eligible public DLI college.

Step-by-Step

If you've switched status from visitor to study permit at a private DLI college that isn't PGWP-eligible, and now have an acceptance letter from a public, PGWP-eligible college, you don't need to start a new study-permit application from scratch.

What members clarified:
  1. Use the 'change school' option in your GCKey account to update your DLI directly through IRCC's portal, rather than filing a brand-new study permit application.

  2. You do not need to show GIC funds again once you're already in Canada and simply changing your DLI — the GIC requirement applied to the original entry/application, not to a same-status school change.


Takeaway: switching schools while already holding valid study-permit status in Canada is generally a DLI update through your online account, not a fresh application with fresh financial proof.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Do: Use the 'change school' option in your GCKey/IRCC account to update your DLI rather than filing a new application.
  • Tip: No need to re-show GIC funds for a same-status DLI change once you're already in Canada.

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