Changing Schools or Programs — Complete Guide

If you’re an international student in Canada looking to change your school or program, it’s crucial to understand the process to maintain your study permit’s validity. This guide outlines the key steps and considerations for seamlessly navigating this change.

Basic Requirements for Changing Schools or Programs

• Enrollment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): You must be enrolled at a DLI and actively studying in Canada.
• Notification of Change: If you’re a post-secondary student changing schools, or if your program involves a co-op work permit, you need to inform IRCC about the change.

What Happens If You Don’t Notify About the Change

Non-notification can lead to being reported as not registered, potentially leading to a breach of your study permit conditions, possible deportation, and future difficulties in obtaining Canadian visas.

Process for Changing Your DLI Inside Canada

• If you receive an email from an address ending in “@cic.gc.ca,” follow its instructions to confirm your enrollment status.
• For post-secondary students, changing schools is a free service and doesn’t require a new study permit application. Just update your information in your online account.

For Applicants Outside Canada

• If your application is still in progress, update your DLI change with a new acceptance letter through the IRCC web form.
• If your application is approved and you change your DLI, you need to submit a new study permit application with the relevant fees.

Moving to a Different Education Level

• If moving between school levels (e.g., high school to post-secondary), you don’t need a new study permit as long as your current permit is valid.
• If your permit expires or has expired, you need to apply for an extension or restore your status within 90 days of expiration.