Switching Universities In Canada: International Student's Guide

International students in Canada can change their university, but they must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC has a clear process for students to inform them of any changes, and failure to do so can lead to deportation and denial of future work or study permits. Students must also ensure they are meeting their study permit conditions before changing universities, and they will need to get a new study permit by applying to extend their current one. The new university must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and, in Quebec, students must also get an attestation of issuance of a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). There is a time limit for transferring, and students must start or resume their studies at the new university within 150 days.

Changing schools as an international student in Canada

International students in Canada are allowed to change schools or their programs of study within the same college or university. However, this is subject to any conditions specified in their study permit and provided that the reason for the change is reasonable. The student will have to demonstrate that they are making reasonable progress towards the completion of their course or program of study.

Time limit for transfer

There is a time limit for transferring from one school to another. If you decide to change schools and stop studying at your current college or university, you must start or resume your studies at the new school within 150 days. If you fail to do this, you must submit an application to Immigration Canada to change your status or leave the country immediately. This is because failing to resume your studies within 150 days is considered non-compliance with your study permit conditions.

Changing the level of school

If you are moving between school levels (e.g. primary to high school, high school to post-secondary, etc.), you do not need to change or apply for a new study permit, even if your current permit is about to expire. However, if your study permit has already expired, you must restore your status as a student at the same time as you apply to extend your study permit.

Changing post-secondary schools

If you are a post-secondary student changing schools, you do not need to change your study permit, but you must inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This can be done by submitting a new letter of acceptance using the IRCC's web form and paying the fees for a new application. You will need your study permit number, the new school's Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number, your new student identification number, and the start date at the new school.

Moving to a school in Quebec

If you are moving to a school in Quebec, you must obtain an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and submit this with your study permit application. This is required for any level of school, including primary.

How to change your school

International students in Canada are allowed to change schools or their programs of study within the same college or university, provided that they meet the conditions specified in their study permit and have reasonable grounds for the change. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change your school as an international student in Canada:

Understand the Requirements:

Before initiating any changes, it is essential to review the conditions outlined in your study permit. Ensure that you are complying with the requirements, such as maintaining reasonable progress in your current program and actively pursuing your studies. Additionally, be mindful of any time constraints associated with transferring to a new school.

Identify the Type of Change:

The procedure for changing schools may vary depending on the level of education and the type of change. For instance, if you are transitioning from primary to secondary school or vice versa, you typically won't need to change or extend your study permit as long as it is still valid and doesn't contain limiting conditions. However, if you are moving from secondary to post-secondary education, you will need to apply for a new study permit.

Choose a New School:

Select a new designated learning institution (DLI) that aligns with your academic goals and interests. Ensure that the new school is recognised by the Canadian government and is not on the suspension list. It is also advisable to confirm that your intended program is offered at the new institution.

Notify the IRCC:

Inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of your intention to change schools. This can be done by submitting a new letter of acceptance using the IRCC's web form. You will need your study permit number, the new school's DLI number, your new student identification number, and the start date at the new school. Log in to your IRCC online account and navigate to the "Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer" section. From there, follow the steps to complete the transfer process.

Update Your DLI Number:

If you are transferring from one college or university to another, remember to update your DLI number in your Immigration Canada online account. This step is crucial for ensuring that your records are accurate and up to date.

Understand Work Permit Implications:

If you intend to work while studying at the post-secondary level, be aware that changing schools may impact your work permit eligibility. In some cases, you may need to apply for a new work permit or adjust the conditions of your existing one.

Comply with Time Limits:

If you decide to change schools, it is essential to resume your studies at the new institution within 150 days. Failure to do so may result in non-compliance with your study permit conditions, leading to potential consequences such as changing your status or leaving the country.

By following these steps, international students in Canada can effectively navigate the process of changing their school while adhering to the necessary requirements and regulations.

Changing your Designated Learning Institution (DLI)

International students in Canada can change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI). However, there are certain procedures that must be followed to ensure compliance with the conditions of their study permit. Here is a detailed guide on changing your DLI:

Understanding the DLI and Study Permit Requirements:

Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between a DLI and a study permit. A DLI is the specific college or university that an international student is enrolled in, while a study permit authorizes the student to study in Canada. The DLI name is printed on the student's study permit.

Changing DLIs at the Post-Secondary Level:

If an international student wishes to change their DLI at the post-secondary level, they must obtain a new study permit by applying for an extension of their current permit. This involves submitting a new letter of acceptance and following the necessary procedures outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Informing IRCC of the Change:

It is crucial to inform IRCC of any changes to your DLI. Failure to do so can result in breaking the conditions of your study permit, which may lead to negative consequences such as deportation and future permit denials. To notify IRCC, students can go online, submit a new letter of acceptance using the IRCC web form, and pay the required fees.

Timing of the Change:

The timing of the DLI change is important. If you decide to change DLIs and stop studying at your current institution, you must resume your studies at the new DLI within 150 days. Failure to do so will require you to change your status or leave the country.

Moving Between School Levels:

If you are moving between school levels, such as from high school to post-secondary, you typically do not need to change or apply for a new study permit. However, if your permit is about to expire, you must apply for an extension.

Changing DLIs in Quebec:

If you are moving to a school in Quebec, you must obtain an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and submit it with your study permit application. This requirement applies to all levels of schooling, including primary and secondary.

Maintaining Compliance:

To maintain compliance with your study permit conditions, you must actively pursue your course or program of study while in Canada. This can include part-time or full-time studies, but it is important to note that part-time studies may affect your eligibility for certain permits after graduation.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the specific requirements of your study permit, international students in Canada can successfully change their Designated Learning Institution.

Requirements for changing universities in Quebec

International students in Canada are allowed to change their university or program, provided they inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of these changes. This can be done by submitting a new letter of acceptance using the IRCC's web form and paying all the fees for a new application.

If you are an international student in Quebec and want to change your educational institution, program, or level of study, you must contact the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). Additionally, students studying in Quebec must obtain an attestation of issuance of a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and submit this with their study permit application.

In general, to be admitted to a university in Quebec, you need to have a Diploma of College Studies (DCS). If you do not have a DCS, you may still be admitted by meeting other requirements established by the university, such as interrupted studies, relevant job market experience, or university readiness training. It is recommended to refer to the website of the university you are interested in to find specific admission requirements.

When changing universities as an international student in Quebec, it is important to keep in mind the time limit for transferring. If you decide to change universities, you must start or resume your studies at the new university within 150 days. If you fail to do so, you must submit an application to Immigration Canada to change your status or leave the country immediately.

Furthermore, all study permit holders in Canada must actively pursue their studies while in the country. If you need to take a leave from your studies due to medical conditions, pregnancy, emergencies, or other serious reasons, your leave should not exceed 150 days. If your leave is longer, you must change the conditions of your stay in Canada.

The consequences of not notifying the IRCC of a change of school

International students in Canada are allowed to change their university or program, but they must inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of these changes. The IRCC has outlined a process for international students to inform them of any changes to their designated learning institution (DLI).

If an international student changes schools without notifying the IRCC, the following consequences may occur:

• The student's previous school will report them as no longer being registered or enrolled to study there. This is seen by the IRCC as breaking the conditions of the study permit.
• The student's study permit may become invalid, and it may be cancelled.
• The student may be asked to leave the country or change their status.
• The student may be denied approval for another study or work permit in the future, preventing them from coming to Canada again.
• The student may face removal from Canada or be barred from obtaining future study or work permits.

To avoid these consequences, international students must inform the IRCC of any changes to their DLI by submitting a new letter of acceptance using the IRCC's web form and paying the fees for a new application. It is important to note that the student's previous school will report them as no longer enrolled if they do not notify the IRCC, which can have significant implications for their immigration status and future study or work permit applications in Canada.

Frequently asked questions