1. Understand the Requirements for Transferring Schools
As an international student in Canada, you can change your school or program, but you must follow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidelines to maintain your study permit status. Key requirements include:
- Your new institution must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Your study permit must remain valid.
- You must inform IRCC of your school change before enrolling in the new institution.
2. Choose a New Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Before transferring, ensure that your new school is listed as a Designated Learning Institution. You can check the official DLI list on the IRCC website.
3. Obtain an Acceptance Letter from the New School
Once you have chosen a new institution, apply and secure an official letter of acceptance. You will need this document to update your study permit information with IRCC.
4. Notify IRCC About the School Change
To update your study permit with IRCC, follow these steps:
- Log into your IRCC online account.
- Go to the ‘Transfer Schools’ section.
- Enter your new school’s DLI number and your new student ID number.
- Upload the acceptance letter from the new institution.
- Submit the changes and wait for confirmation.
There is no fee to update your school information with IRCC.
5. Verify Whether You Need a New Study Permit
In most cases, you do not need a new study permit when transferring schools at the same level of study (e.g., from one college to another). However, if you are moving to a different level of study (e.g., from high school to university), you may need to apply for a new study permit.
6. Inform Your Current School
Before leaving your current institution, ensure you formally withdraw from your program following their guidelines. This may involve submitting a withdrawal request and settling any outstanding tuition fees.
7. Update Your Health Insurance and Student Services
After transferring, ensure your health insurance, student ID, and other student services are updated with your new institution. International students may need to reapply for provincial health insurance or purchase new coverage if required.
8. Maintain Compliance with Study Permit Conditions
While transitioning between schools, you must remain compliant with your study permit conditions:
- Continue studying without unauthorized gaps.
- Ensure your study permit remains valid.
- Maintain sufficient financial resources for tuition and living expenses.
Failure to follow these steps could result in losing your study permit status, which may affect your ability to stay in Canada legally.