The ILAC closure on September 18, 2026 has left more than 1,300 international students without a school. Languages Canada is coordinating placement in alternate programs. Here is what affected students need to know right now.
On Friday, September 18, 2026, ILAC (International Language Academy of Canada) filed for bankruptcy protection under KPMG and ceased all operations immediately. Classes at both its Toronto campus and its Vancouver campus (operating as Tamwood International College) were cancelled without prior notice to students or staff. According to Languages Canada's official statement, 1,362 language students were enrolled at the time of closure: 802 in Toronto and 560 in Vancouver.
This guide covers what happened and what affected students should know as the situation develops.
What happened?
ILAC Education Group filed for bankruptcy on September 18, 2026, citing what it described as "significant regulatory changes affecting the sector." ILAC was founded in 1997 and had operated for 30 years as one of Canada's largest English language training providers. The closure follows the shutdown of EC English, another major international language school chain, which closed its global operations less than a week earlier, including campuses in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
ILAC posted a statement on its website saying next steps would be "communicated directly to those affected." No details about refunds or timelines were included at the time of that announcement.
Placement support is coming. In its official statement, Languages Canada committed to covering student tuition through placement in alternate equivalent programs. Priority will be given to students whose classes end soonest. When EC English closed the previous week, all 471 affected students across Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver were placed within four days. Languages Canada is publishing daily updates at languagescanada.ca. For assistance, contact them at student@languagescanada.ca.
Note: Languages Canada's commitment covers tuition in alternate programs only. Travel, accommodation, insurance, and activities from specialized programs are not covered.
High school and career college students: ILAC also offered high school and career college programs. These fall outside Languages Canada's mandate. Languages Canada has noted it is in contact with the relevant sector representative bodies. If you were enrolled in one of these programs, monitor the ILAC website and Languages Canada for direct guidance.
Disclaimer: Information about the ILAC closure is still developing. This article reflects what was publicly confirmed as of September 19, 2026. Check the official ILAC website and the Languages Canada for the most current guidance.
What should affected students do right now?
While Languages Canada coordinates placement, there are three things every affected student should do:
- Keep all your documents. Save your enrolment letter, all payment receipts, your ILAC student ID, any emails or messages from ILAC, and your study permit if you have one. You will need these records regardless of what comes next.
- Check Languages Canada's website for daily updates. Languages Canada is publishing updates at languagescanada.ca as the placement process develops. You can also contact them at student@languagescanada.ca.
- If you are in Canada on a study permit that lists ILAC as your DLI, be aware that you have IRCC obligations while you arrange your next steps. See the note below.
A note on study permits
Your study permit is not automatically cancelled because ILAC closed. However, if your permit lists ILAC as your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you are now in a situation where your school has stopped operating and you will need to transfer to a new DLI. The IRCC guidance on changing your school is the best starting point. Because this closure resulted from bankruptcy, the specific rules and timelines that apply to your situation may differ from standard school-change guidance. Speak with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Canadian immigration lawyer for advice specific to your circumstances.
Important: Do not let your immigration status lapse. Immigration advice must come from a qualified professional — a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
What about refunds?
As of September 19, 2026, ILAC has not announced a refund policy or process. Do not act on unofficial information. Keep all your payment receipts, enrolment letters, and ILAC correspondence — you will need them when a process is confirmed. Watch for direct communications from ILAC and monitor the ILAC website for updates.
Frequently asked questions
No, your study permit is not automatically cancelled. However, if your permit lists ILAC as your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you are not currently attending the school named on your permit and you will need to transfer to a new DLI. Review the IRCC guidance on changing your school and confirm the applicable rules with IRCC or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
As of September 19, 2026, ILAC has not announced a refund process. Keep all your payment receipts, enrolment letters, and ILAC correspondence safe. Monitor the ILAC website and your student email for direct communications as information becomes available.
If you have not yet started your program, your situation depends on how far along your enrolment was. If you paid fees, keep every receipt and document; ILAC has not yet confirmed a refund process, but you will need these records when information becomes available. Monitor the ILAC website and your student email for direct communications. If you submitted a study permit application listing ILAC as your DLI, contact IRCC to update your application with a new institution once you have a new enrolment.
If you have not paid fees and have not received a study permit, you are in the lowest-risk position and can choose to apply to a new school. Contact your ApplyBoard counsellor to get started with a new application.
If you are one of the students affected, support is being coordinated. This is a rapidly developing situation; check Languages Canada's website daily for the latest updates as next steps become clearer. If you applied through ApplyBoard, your education agent or counsellor is available to help with next steps.
As the situation develops and more information becomes available, we will update this article and publish additional guidance.