Change College in Canada After Getting a Visa?
International students in Canada can change their program or institution as long as their study permit remains valid. This means you can change the college you are studying at in Canada after obtaining a visa or study permit.
Students must still follow all conditions listed on their study visa. These conditions require completing specific steps.
Changing Schools or Programs: International Students in Canada
Before changing your college or school, confirm that you meet all study permit requirements. This involves studying at a designated learning institution (DLI) and regularly participating in your studies in Canada. Note that your primary purpose and activity must be studying; therefore, your study program must be on a full-time basis.
You will also need to inform the CIC about the college change. This is done by reporting to the federal government through your online account that you have changed your post-secondary institution. After signing in to your online account, enter your new college’s DLI number. You must also provide your student ID and program start date.
Process of Change College in Canada
The process of changing colleges in Canada involves following specific steps through your online account in the portal:
Signing in to your online account.
Go to the “Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer”.
Click on the “Transfer from DLI number”.
Here, you need to type your study permit application number to find your application.
If required, you might need to enter more information from your original study permit.
How to Change the DLI Number in Canada
Update your records by entering the new DLI number, student ID, and program start date.
Click on the “Submit Transfer” button.
Before confirmation, make sure all the information you entered is reviewed one last time. If you see no errors, click on “Confirm Transfer”
Once you receive a completion notification, you have successfully informed the federal government of your study change.
Quebec follows a different process because the province manages its own immigration system. International students wishing to apply for study in Quebec must follow the province’s specific rules and procedures.
If you want to study in Quebec as an international student, you must have a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Those already in Quebec as students need to submit a new CAQ application to change their educational program, school, or institution. Please note that as long as you respect all the conditions required by your current study permit and actively participate in your studies in Canada, you can modify or change your study programs.
If you want to change your study program in Canada or wish to know your options in becoming an international student in Canada, we are always here to help. Canada has helped hundreds of students obtain their study permits and successfully finalize their applications.
Contact us today or fill out our free assessment form to know more about your options.
