You are already in Canada with a Study Permit, or have applied for one, but now are thinking about changing your school in Canada? Here is a guide how to change school in Canada as an international student.
Why Change Schools
The reasons can vary.
- You may have found a program that suits your qualifications/experiences and career goals better.
- You may have found a course that offers the same program but for a lower cost.
- In case you are in Canada, you may not be happy with the quality of the education your current school provides.
The good news is that you can indeed change schools. But you must follow the process the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requires.
Changing Schools If You are Outside Canada
You have applied for your Study Permit and haven’t received it yet:
- Ensure your new educational institute is a designated learning institute (DLI).
- Use the IRCC Web Form to update your application.
- You have to submit your new letter of acceptance (LOA).
If Study Permit has been approved:
- Ensure your new learning institute is a DLI.
- You have to submit a new study permit application, either by mail or through the IRCC website.
- This process includes paying all the fees (visa fees etc.).
If you are already in Canada:
- You have to inform the IRCC if:
- You are a post-secondary student moving to a new DLI school.
- Have a co-op work permit and are moving to another co-op provided program.
- You also have to be currently studying while in Canada and seeking to change your school.
- You don’t have to apply for a new Study Permit.
The IRCC says that you can do these steps on your own, even if you have had an agent to do your initial application.
Why You Must Inform IRCC of DLI Change
- If you are not attending the institution you were supposed to attend as per your Study Permit approval, the institution will report your absence.
- It means you are violating the Study Permit and the IRCC can ask you to leave Canada.
- Canada can also refuse visa for future Study Permits or Work Visas.
Some Other Issues to Consider When Changing Your School in Canada
- Can you transfer your credits to the new program/school?
- What are the affects the change will have on the post graduate work permit (PGWP)?
