Canadian School Transfers: What International Students in Canada Need to Know About the New Rules
January 22, 2025
|
When studying in Canada as an international student, your Canadian study permit is vital in maintaining legal status here. If you are thinking of changing schools, the process can vary based on your educational level and the specifics of your situation. Understanding whether you must apply for a new Canadian study permit or extend your current one is essential. The requirements differ depending on factors such as the level of education and the type of school you plan to transfer to.
We explore several common scenarios for changing schools and when you need to update your Canadian study permit as an international student in Canada.
What Are the New Rules for Transferring Schools as an International Student in Canada?
Beginning at the end of last year, international students in Canada must remain enrolled in the designated learning institution (DLI) listed on their Canadian study permit. The previous option of changing DLIs through an online account is no longer valid. To transfer to a new DLI, students must apply for a new study permit by extending their current one.
This process ensures the student's legal status is maintained while transitioning between institutions. International students in Canada must follow these updated guidelines to prevent any issues with their study permits and maintain compliance with Canadian immigration laws.
Is it Necessary to Apply For a Canadian Study Permit When Changing Schools?
For international students in Canada, changing schools may not always require applying for a new Canadian study permit. Here are the scenarios where a study permit is required and when you may not need to apply for a new one.
Moving From Primary to Secondary Levels
If you are transferring from a primary to a secondary school in Canada, you typically do not need to apply for a new study permit or extend your current permit as long as it remains valid. Your current Canadian study permit will cover your studies at the secondary level unless it includes specific conditions that restrict you from changing schools.
For example, if your Canadian study permit specifies restrictions regarding the type of school or institution you can attend, you must address these limitations before transferring. However, in most cases, transferring between these educational levels does not necessitate a new Canadian study permit.
Changing DLIs Within Primary or Secondary Levels
If you are switching between DLIs within the same primary or secondary education levels, you generally will not need to apply for a new Canadian study permit, provided your existing permit is still valid. The only exception occurs if your study permit includes specific conditions, such as restrictions on transferring between schools.
In these cases, you must address these conditions before changing. Otherwise, you can proceed with the transfer without updating your study permit as long as the permit remains in good standing and is aligned with the terms of your educational pathway.
Moving From Secondary to Post-Secondary Levels
Transitioning from secondary school to postsecondary education in Canada requires a new study permit application or an extension of your current Canadian study permit. You must apply to extend your existing Canadian study permit to cover your enrollment in a post-secondary institution. The application process ensures that your legal status as a student is maintained as you move into a higher level of education.
An important point to note is that if you complete your secondary school studies ahead of schedule, your Canadian study permit will no longer be valid 90 days after you finish your studies, regardless of the expiry date shown on the permit.
For example, if your permit shows an expiration date later than 90 days after completing your secondary studies, it still becomes invalid once you have finished your secondary program. In such cases, you will need to apply for a new study permit to continue your education at the post-secondary level.
Moving From Post-Secondary to Secondary Levels
If you transfer from postsecondary education to a secondary-level school in Canada, you must apply for a new Canadian study permit to reflect this change. The process is similar to moving from secondary to postsecondary levels; you must apply to extend your current study permit or apply for a new one. The switch from postsecondary to secondary education requires approval from Canadian immigration authorities to ensure your permit accurately reflects your educational status.
Moving Within Postsecondary Levels at the Same DLI
If you are transferring within postsecondary institutions but remain within the same DLI, you generally do not need to apply for a new study permit as long as your existing study permit remains valid and you continue to meet the conditions outlined in the permit. This situation applies when you move between different programs or courses within the same school. As long as you are enrolled in a DLI program covered by your current permit and maintain your full-time student status, there is no requirement to update your study permit.
Changing DLIs at the Post-Secondary Level
If you want to change schools within the postsecondary level and transfer to a different DLI, you must apply for a new Canadian study permit. This requirement holds even if you transfer within the same field of study or program level. The process involves applying to extend your current study permit to include your new institution and continuing to meet the requirements set by Canadian immigration authorities. These regulations ensure that your student status remains valid as you transition between educational institutions within the post-secondary system.
Changing DLIs Before November 8, 2024
If you have changed DLIs before November 8, 2024, you can continue studying at your new DLI under your current study permit if you meet the conditions specified in the permit. However, if you plan to change DLIs again after this date, you must apply for a new Canadian study permit by extending your current one. The new rule introduced on November 8, 2024, requires students to extend their study permit when they want to transfer between DLIs, ensuring more structured compliance with immigration regulations.
How Can I Transfer Schools as a Postsecondary International Student?
Transferring to a new school as a postsecondary international student in Canada requires careful planning and adherence to immigration policies. Here are the key steps and requirements for transferring schools.
If Your Application is Still in Progress
If your Canadian study permit application is still being processed, you can notify Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of your intention to change your DLI. To do this, submit a new letter of acceptance from the new DLI and a provincial or territorial attestation letter, if necessary, through the IRCC web form.
Confirming Your Student Status
If you already hold a Canadian study permit, IRCC may email you to confirm your student status. This email will come from an "@cic.gc.ca" address. You must follow the instructions in the email by the specified date to verify that you are enrolled and actively studying in Canada.
Changing DLIs While Outside Canada
If your Canadian study permit has already been approved and you are outside Canada, changing your DLI means submitting a new study permit application. This includes submitting a new acceptance letter and paying all applicable fees for the new application.
Starting November 8, 2024- New Rules for Postsecondary Transfers
After November 8, 2024, you must apply for a Canadian study permit extension to transfer to a different postsecondary school. The new school must also be on the list of approved DLIs. Before applying for an extension, confirm that your new school is on the DLI, not the suspension list. If you're changing to a co-op program at a different school, you must apply for a new co-op work permit.
Required Documents for the Transfer
When applying for a Canadian study permit extension, include a letter explaining why you are changing schools and supporting documents that show you meet the necessary criteria for the new DLI. If your application is still in progress, you can submit these documents via the IRCC web form.
When Can You Start Studying at Your New DLI?
You can begin studying at your new DLI while waiting for your study permit extension approval if:
- You have stayed in Canada since receiving the new DLI's acceptance letter.
- You continue to meet the conditions of your previous Canadian study permit.
- Your previous DLI has closed, discontinued your program, been placed on the suspension list, or lost its DLI status.
If these conditions are unmet, you should apply for and receive your extended study permit before completing your studies at the current DLI.
Winter or Spring 2025 Transfers
For students accepted into a new DLI for the Winter or Spring 2025 semester (January 1–May 1, 2025), you can begin studying at the new DLI if:
- You have a valid study permit and have applied for a study permit extension.
- Your Canadian study permit does not have the DLI name printed.
- You meet all conditions of your current Canadian study permit.
If these criteria are met, you can study at the new DLI while processing your Canadian study permit extension.
FAQs
What Are the Potential Challenges or Risks Associated With Transferring Between DLIs?
Transferring between DLIs can present several challenges, including potential academic disruption as you adjust to a new learning environment and curriculum. Financial implications may arise from potential tuition differences, relocation costs, and the need to re-apply for student accommodation.
What Happens if My Canadian Study Permit Expires During the Transfer Process?
If your Canadian study permit expires during transfer, you may face serious consequences, including potential deportation. Maintaining valid immigration status is crucial, so it is essential to proactively address potential Canadian study permit expiry dates and apply for an extension or a new permit well in advance.
What Happens if You Transfer Schools and Do Not Inform the IRCC?
Failing to inform IRCC about a school transfer can have serious consequences, including revoking your study permit. Your Canadian study permit is tied explicitly to the DLI where you were initially authorized to study.