The government of Canada published on January 21, 2022 a new update regarding the instructions for study permit applications for students from visa-exempt countries applying from overseas to study in Canada.
According to General processing measures: COVID-19 program delivery, applicants with a valid visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) can change the designated learning institutions after applying for a study permit or while the application is being processed. Therefore, the student may submit their new letter of acceptance via the IRCC web form.
In the event that the student's study permit has already been approved, the student must submit a new application and pay the appropriate fee. Also, students who are enrolled as post-secondary students in Canada can transfer between institutions (public or private) without changing their study permit conditions if the receiving institution is a designated learning institution (DLI).
When students transfer to another DLI, they should notify IRCC via their MyAccount. However, students transferring to a DLI without an approved COVID-19 readiness plan may not be able to return if they are over 18 years of age but not fully vaccinated.
Note that, under 18-year-old students may not be allowed to return if their DLI is not on the approved COVID-19 readiness plan list. Also, the COVID-19 program delivery instructions are for new and existing temporary residence, permanent residence and citizenship applications in Canada and abroad.