Switching Courses: Options For International Students In Canada

International students in Canada can change their course or university, but they must follow specific procedures and meet certain conditions. The process depends on whether the student is changing their program within the same institution or transferring to a different one, and whether they are moving between primary, secondary, or post-secondary levels. Students must also ensure they are complying with the conditions of their study permit, which includes actively pursuing their course or program while in Canada.

International students can change their course in Canada at any time without needing to apply for a new study permit

International students in Canada can change their course or school at any time without applying for a new study permit, but they must notify the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). Students must ensure they are following the correct procedure and staying within the conditions of their study permit.

To change schools or courses, international students must be accepted at a university in Canada listed as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). They must also be actively studying while in Canada. This means that students can study on a part-time basis and still be compliant with their study permit, but this may make them ineligible for an open work permit after graduation. To obtain a post-graduation work permit, students must have continuously studied full-time.

If students are moving between post-secondary levels at the same DLI, they can continue studying with their current study permit, as long as they still meet the conditions of that permit. If students are changing DLIs at the post-secondary level, they will need to apply for a new study permit by extending their current one. This application will require a new letter of acceptance and a provincial or territorial attestation letter (if needed).

If students are moving to a post-secondary school and want to work while they study, they must apply to change the conditions of their study permit, which includes a fee. Students moving to a school in Quebec must get an attestation of issuance of their Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

Students must inform IRCC each time they change post-secondary schools

International students in Canada are allowed to change their course or school at any time without needing to apply for a new study permit. However, they must inform the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) each time they change post-secondary schools. This is because, starting November 8, 2024, international students will be required to be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) named on their study permit. This means that students can no longer change DLIs by updating their online account. Instead, they must apply for a new study permit by extending their current one.

To update the IRCC about a change of post-secondary school, students can submit a new letter of acceptance using the IRCC web form. They will also need to provide the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number of their new institution. If the student is moving to a school in Quebec, they must also get a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). If the student already resides in Quebec and is pursuing their course, they must contact the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) to inform them of the change.

It is important to comply with the conditions of the study permit as an international student in Canada. Failing to do so can lead to enforcement action and may affect future applications for permanent residence. For instance, if the IRCC is not informed of a change in the student's DLI, the student's previous school will report them as not attending classes. This can lead to an investigation and may ultimately result in the student being required to leave Canada.

Students must also keep the contact information on their study permit up to date. If their contact information changes, they can use the IRCC web form to update it. Additionally, if the student plans to leave Canada while studying, they will need a new immigration medical exam (IME) to return if their IME has expired or will expire while they are outside of Canada.

Students must be enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) named on their study permit

To study in Canada as an international student, you must be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A DLI is a school that is designated by the territorial or provincial authority to host international students. All schools in Canada are DLIs, but not all programs of study make students eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

The DLI number (Organization ID) is a unique identifier for post-secondary schools that admit international students. It starts with the letter "O", and each school has its own code. When applying to study in Canada, you must include the DLI number on your study permit application form. If your application is processed at a POE, the border services officers must ensure that "Designated Learning Institution" is inserted under the "Institution Name" section of the physical study permit.

If you are already studying in Canada and want to change your DLI, you need to get a new study permit by applying to extend your current one. You can inform the authorities about your change of DLI by submitting a new letter of acceptance using the IRCC web form. If you are moving to a school in Quebec, you must get a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). If you are already studying in Quebec, you must contact the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration to change your DLI.

It is important to note that if the institution loses its DLI status after your study permit is issued, you must transfer to another DLI or your permit will be rejected.

If you're moving to post-secondary school and want to work while studying, you must apply to change the conditions of your study permit

If you're an international student in Canada and you're transitioning to post-secondary school, you may want to consider working while studying. This can help you gain practical work experience and build a network that could be beneficial for your future. It could even aid the process of immigrating to Canada after you graduate.

To work while studying in Canada, you need to ensure you meet the requirements. Most international students are eligible to work while studying, but there are different requirements for working on and off campus. If you want to work off campus, you need to be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI). From November 8, 2024, students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, but you must still meet other requirements. Working more than 24 hours per week violates your study permit conditions and can lead to losing your student status.

It's important to note that you must inform the relevant authorities each time you change post-secondary schools. You can do this by notifying Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through their web form or by providing your study permit application number and relevant details.

If you change your university before entering Canada and don't inform immigration officers, you won't be allowed to board your flight

International students in Canada with a valid study permit can change their course or university at any time without needing to apply for a new study permit. However, it is crucial to notify the relevant authorities, specifically the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), about this change.

If you change your university and fail to inform immigration officers before entering Canada, you may face several consequences, including being refused boarding on your flight. This is because, starting November 8, 2024, you must be enrolled in the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) named on your study permit. Changing your university without updating your permit will result in a mismatch between your documentation and your actual educational plans, which can lead to issues with immigration authorities.

To avoid this situation, it is essential to follow the proper procedure for changing your university. First, ensure that you are adhering to the conditions outlined in your study permit. Then, obtain acceptance into the new institution you wish to transfer to. Once accepted, notify the IRCC of your change of DLI by submitting a new letter of acceptance using the IRCC web form. Additionally, if you are moving to a school in Quebec, you must obtain a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). If you are already in Quebec and changing universities within the province, you must contact the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).

Failing to inform the IRCC about your change of university can result in further consequences beyond being denied boarding on your flight. Your previous institution will report that you are no longer registered as a student there, which means you are in breach of the conditions of your study permit. This could potentially lead to a request to exit Canada and may impact your ability to obtain visa approval for future travel to the country. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to maintain open communication with the IRCC and relevant educational institutions throughout your academic journey in Canada.

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