Being proactive is the key to maintaining your immigration status while studying in Canada

International students in Canada are constantly exposed to changes in the country's policies and dynamics, which can affect their academic programs and immigration status without prior notice.

This means they must be prepared to act quickly and proactively in the event that their studies are interrupted, whether due to reasons of their own or beyond their control.

But what steps should you take to be proactive when faced with an unexpected situation while studying abroad?

In this blog post, I’ll provide you with a guide to steps you can take regarding your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and protecting your immigration status. I’ll also share key links to educational advice from Angy Díaz, a specialist at Immiland Education, to help you with your admission process.

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Action Plan for Maintaining Immigration Status 

After interrupting their studies in Canada, the immigration aspect is the most sensitive issue to address. To maintain legal status, it is essential for students to be very proactive and to constantly submit applications and respond to requests.

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• The first step when you have to take a break from your studies is to apply for Authorized Leave, a temporary permit allowing you to stay in the country for 150 days without studying while you look for a solution to the unexpected situation.

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• During these 150 days , the law prohibits him from working, even if his work permit is valid and in effect.

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• Students participating in a Cooperative Education (Co-op) program must also immediately stop working until they resume their studies or areenrolled and registered at a new designated institution, if applicable.

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• For programs linked to a language pathway , if the reason is a suspension by the DLI, you may need to initiate a response protocol with Languages Canada. 

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What does being proactive require?

Taking immediate action and knowing how to manage deadlines is the key to being proactive when it comes to immigration.

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This requires:

• Get in touch with institutions and authority figures relevant to your specific situation.

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• Write formal emails ( ccing your agency, if applicable), and include your full name, the city where you are studying or studied, the type of course, the number of weeks completed, and the number of weeks remaining, along with a copy of your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and proof of payment.

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• Reach out to provincial entities or agencies that can provide assistance in the event of a DLI closure (this involves sending and following up on emails, as well as demonstrating persistence and a respectful yet firm attitude to secure the assignment of a Training Completion Provider).

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The Training Completion Provider is the backup school where students can continue their studies in the event that a DLI closes .

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Guide to Response Times and the Processing of New Study Permits 

Under the Authorized Leave, time is of the essence. During the 150-day window, provinces with DLI campuses that have closed should provide an official solution so that affected students can receive their new Letter of Acceptance (LOA), along with the required Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) , and submit their application for an extension or modification of their study permit on time.

A recent example of a DLI closure is that of the International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC), which suspended operations on September 18, 2026.

Here, taking the initiative is key for students, who must understand the logic behind visa applications and the exact procedure to follow.

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Reasoning Behind the Application for a New Study Permit

In this case, since the current study permit is legally tied to the DLI that has suspended its activities, it is not possible to begin classes at another institution using that document. A formal request for an extension or modification of the permit must be submitted in order to make the change.

There are two ways to process this new application, and they differ in terms of financial eligibility requirements:

• Option A: Relocation through the Training Completion Provider (Government)
• Option B: Transferring to another university or college on your own

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Specialized Educational Consulting

If you decide to take the initiative to enroll in a new program or college without waiting for provincial decisions, the structured process offered by our international education agency, Immiland Education, is as follows:

1. Registration and Academic Admission: Please contact Director Angy Díaz, who will handle your registration and direct enrollment at the universities or colleges of your choice that match your profile.

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2. Obtaining Key Documents: Once your admission has been processed, you will receive your new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and the corresponding Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the institution.

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3. Application for a New Study Permit: Take your Letter of Acceptance and submit a formal application to extend your study permit to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to update your DLI.

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4. Proof of financial solvency: Attach the required financial documentation based on the option you have chosen (proof of financial solvency to cover living expenses and tuition if you are making the change independently, or proof of financial solvency to cover living expenses only if you are assigned by the provincial fund).

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5. Immediate Start of Classes: Once you have submitted your application for a study permit, you are authorized to begin your classroom instruction at the new school.

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When to Apply - Resuming the Co-op: Once you have registered and enrolled at the new institution, you will be able to complete or resume the work component of your academic program.

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Recommendations

If your 150-day period expires and you have not resolved your situation, one option is to apply for a change of status toVisitor Record. This allows you to remain in the country formally as a tourist, maintaining valid legal status, but you will not be authorized to study or work during this time.

If you decide to pursue further education in Canada and plan to apply for permanent residency later, avoid enrolling in co-op programs at private institutions, as these programs do not grant access tothe Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

If you want to gain professional work experience in Canada after graduation, choose public institutions or colleges.

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Immiland Education

Our education team is made up of advisors who specialize in international studies and are committed to supporting you through every stage of your academic journey in Canada and other countries.

We analyze your profile, your goals, and your desired career path to recommend the program and destination that best suit your future. 

More than just consulting, we design a personalized educational strategy to open up greater opportunities abroad.

Visit Estudios Internacionales - Immiland Education for more information about our services. 

I hope this guide helps you maintain your legal status and continue your studies in Canada. See you in an upcoming blog post, where we’ll continue building your Canadian dream with dedication, empathy, and professionalism.

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With love,

Immiland Education