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For informational purposes only. Not financial, legal, or professional advice. Consult a licensed mortgage professional before making decisions. See full disclaimer

FAQ Library
Regulatory•By Ratellow Research Team•Verified 2026-09-01•How we research

What is an 'uninsured straight switch' and how does it benefit you?

Key Points

  • Mortgage amount cannot increase; payment schedule can change (e.g., monthly to bi-weekly).

  • Lenders will still check to make sure you can comfortably afford your mortgage payments.

  • They'll look at your income, debts, and credit score to ensure you can handle your mortgage, even if interest rates rise.

  • These rules help protect the financial system while still allowing you to shop around for the best mortgage interest rate at renewal.

Need a Deeper Breakdown?

Read the full research guide this FAQ was derived from for more context and strategy.

Primary sources

Primary sources cited by the Ratellow Research Team. Editorial standards · Correction policy

Read the deeper guide · Regulatory

Canada's 2026 Mortgage Stress Test Explained: Switches, MQR Rates & Qualification Rules

Related Questions

How does the new OSFI guidance affect mortgage switching for you?

The latest OSFI guidance simplifies switching lenders at renewal for borrowers with existing uninsured mortgages.

What documentation is typically required for a mortgage application, and how might this differ for a 'straight switch'?

While specific requirements can vary slightly among lenders, the standard documentation confirms income, credit history, and property details.

What are the Loan-to-Income (LTI) limits, and how do they impact lenders?

OSFI is introducing Loan-to-Income (LTI) limits on the uninsured mortgage portfolios of federally regulated financial institutions (FRFIs).

How does 'stress testing' affect the stability of financial institutions?

Stress testing evaluates how a financial institution's mortgage portfolio would fare under tough economic times.

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Under the OSFI B-20 amendment (effective late 2024), an 'uninsured straight switch' lets you transfer your existing mortgage to a new lender without the stress test.

ConditionRequirement
Loan amountCannot increase (no increase allowed, fees must be paid separately)
AmortizationCannot extend beyond original schedule
Payment scheduleCan change (e.g., monthly to bi-weekly)
Lender typeMust be a federally regulated institution (FRFI)
PropertySame property — no portability to new home

This change gives borrowers real leverage to shop for better rates at renewal without stress-test barriers.

Stress test exemption applies to uninsured straight switches at renewal regardless of down payment, as long as loan amount does not increase and other conditions are met.