Canadian Students: School Change Rules That Could End Your Stay

Navigate school changes without losing your Canadian student status

On This Page You Will Find:

• Critical notification requirements that protect your student status
• Step-by-step process for changing schools without immigration consequences
• Special Quebec rules that differ from the rest of Canada
• Timeline requirements when your study permit expires during transitions
• Free methods to update your school information with IRCC

Summary:

Switching schools or programs as an international student in Canada isn't just an academic decision—it's an immigration decision that could determine whether you stay or go. This comprehensive guide reveals the exact steps you must take to change schools legally, the 90-day window that could save your status if things go wrong, and the critical mistakes that cause 30% of students to lose their immigration status. Whether you're moving from university to college, changing provinces, or studying in Quebec, you'll discover the specific requirements, free reporting methods, and insider strategies that keep your Canadian dreams on track.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• You must notify IRCC when changing post-secondary schools to avoid deportation
• School changes between education levels may require a new study permit
• You have 90 days to restore student status if your permit expires during transition
• Quebec students need additional CAQ documentation for school changes
• All school change notifications to IRCC are completely free through your online account

Meet Ali, a 22-year-old engineering student from Tehran who thought he had it all figured out. He'd secured admission to the University of Toronto, obtained his study permit, and was living his Canadian dream. But six months into his program, the advanced calculus and physics courses were crushing his spirit (and his GPA).

Like thousands of international students each year, Ali realized he needed to make a change. The community college down the street offered a more practical two-year program that aligned better with his goals. But here's what Ali didn't know: making this switch without following the proper procedures could have ended his time in Canada permanently.

If you're facing a similar situation—whether the academics are too challenging, you've discovered a better program elsewhere, or your career goals have shifted—this guide will walk you through every step of changing schools while protecting your immigration status.

The Foundation: Understanding Your Study Permit Conditions

Your study permit isn't just a piece of paper—it's a legal contract with the Canadian government. Every international student must meet two non-negotiable conditions:

You must be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). These are schools approved by the government to host international students. Not every school in Canada has this designation, and losing DLI status can happen.

You must be actively studying while in Canada. This means attending classes, completing coursework, and making academic progress. Taking a semester off or dropping out without proper authorization violates your permit conditions.

Here's what many students don't realize: your school monitors your enrollment status and reports to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly. If you simply stop attending without notification, your school will report your absence, triggering an investigation into your immigration status.

The consequences of violating these conditions aren't just academic—they're life-changing. Students can face removal from Canada and future barriers to re-entry, effectively ending their Canadian education and career aspirations.

When You Must Contact IRCC (And When You Don't)

Not every academic change requires government notification, but the rules are specific and unforgiving if you get them wrong.

You MUST notify IRCC if you're:

• A post-secondary student planning to change schools
• Switching to another co-op program while holding a co-op work permit
• Need to modify specific conditions listed on your study permit

You typically DON'T need notification for:

• Changing programs within the same institution
• Moving from high school to post-secondary (though you'll likely need a new permit)
• Adding or dropping individual courses

The notification process itself is straightforward and free through your IRCC online account. But timing matters—you should notify IRCC before making the change, not after you've already enrolled elsewhere.

The Email That Could Save Your Status

Sometimes IRCC will send you an email requesting confirmation of your active student status. This isn't random—it usually happens when there's a question about your enrollment or academic progress.

Treat these emails as urgent. You'll receive specific instructions and a deadline to respond. Ignoring this request or missing the deadline can result in the assumption that you're no longer studying, leading to potential removal proceedings.

The Hidden Dangers of Not Reporting School Changes

Sarah, a business student from Nigeria, learned this lesson the hard way. She transferred from Seneca College to Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) without notifying IRCC, thinking it was just an academic matter. Three months later, she received a letter stating she had breached her study permit conditions and had 30 days to leave Canada.

When you don't report a school change, here's what happens:

Your previous school reports your departure to IRCC as part of their regular compliance reporting. IRCC sees that you're no longer enrolled at your designated institution but hasn't received notification of a transfer. From their perspective, you've violated your study permit conditions.

This triggers a formal review of your case, which can result in:

• An order to leave Canada within 30 days
• Cancellation of your study permit
• A removal order that affects future applications
• Ineligibility for post-graduation work permits

The appeal process exists, but it's lengthy, expensive, and success isn't guaranteed. Prevention through proper notification is always the better strategy.

Navigating Education Level Transitions

Moving between education levels—from high school to college, college to university, or completing a degree and starting another—involves different rules depending on your specific situation.

High School to Post-Secondary Transition

Most study permits issued for high school limit you to secondary education only. When you're ready for college or university, you'll typically need to apply for a new study permit, even if your current one hasn't expired.

The application process is similar to your original permit application, requiring:

• Acceptance letter from a DLI post-secondary institution
• Proof of financial support for the new program duration
• Updated medical exams if required
• Application fees (currently $150 CAD plus biometrics fees)

Post-Secondary to Post-Secondary

If you're moving between colleges, universities, or from college to university (like Ali's situation), you generally don't need a new study permit if your current one remains valid. However, you must ensure your new institution is also a DLI.

Here's a critical consideration many students miss: if you plan to work in Canada after graduation, verify that your new program qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Not all programs are eligible, and discovering this after graduation is too late.

When Your Study Permit Expires During Transition

Timing your school change with permit expiration requires careful planning. If your study permit expires while you're transitioning between schools, you have a 90-day grace period called "restoration of status."

During this 90-day window, you can:

• Apply for a study permit extension
• Restore your student status
• Remain in Canada (but you cannot study until status is restored)

The restoration process includes:

• Study permit extension application
• Restoration fee ($350 CAD in addition to regular permit fees)
• Explanation of why you didn't apply before expiration
• Proof of enrollment in your new program

Missing this 90-day window means you must leave Canada and apply for a new study permit from your home country—a much more complex and time-consuming process.

The Free Process for Changing Post-Secondary Schools

Contrary to what some consultants might tell you, reporting a school change costs nothing if done correctly. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Confirm Your New School's DLI Status Before committing to any school, verify its DLI number on the official IRCC website. Schools can lose DLI designation, and enrolling in a non-DLI institution violates your study permit conditions.

Step 2: Access Your IRCC Online Account Log into the same account you used for your original study permit application. If you don't have online access, create an account and link your existing application.

Step 3: Update Your Information Navigate to the "Update details" section and select "Change of school." Upload your new acceptance letter and any required supporting documents.

Step 4: Submit and Confirm After submitting your update, you'll receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records—it's proof you've complied with reporting requirements.

The system typically processes updates within 2-3 business days, though complex cases may take longer.

Special Considerations for Co-op Programs

If your original program didn't require a co-op work permit but your new program does, you'll need to apply for a work permit separately. This isn't automatically included in your school change notification and requires:

• Separate work permit application
• Additional fees ($155 CAD)
• Letter from your new school confirming co-op requirements
• Processing time of 4-6 weeks

Quebec's Unique Requirements

Quebec operates its own immigration system, creating additional requirements for students studying in the province. If you're moving to a Quebec institution, you'll need a Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) in addition to your federal study permit.

The CAQ application process includes:

• Application to the ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration
• Processing fees ($117 CAD)
• Processing time of 20 business days
• Acceptance letter from a Quebec DLI

If you're already studying in Quebec and want to change institutions, programs, or education levels, you must notify Quebec immigration authorities separately from IRCC. This dual reporting requirement catches many students off-guard.

The Quebec notification process requires:

• Updated information through the Quebec immigration online portal
• New CAQ if changing education levels
• Confirmation that your new program meets Quebec's specific requirements

Changing Schools from Outside Canada

Sometimes life circumstances require you to leave Canada temporarily, and you may need to change schools while abroad. The process differs significantly based on your application status.

If Your Study Permit Application Is Still Processing

You can notify IRCC about your school change through the IRCC web form. Include:

• Your application number
• New acceptance letter
• Explanation for the change
• Any additional supporting documents

IRCC will update your file and issue your permit for the new institution once approved. This typically doesn't affect processing times significantly.

If Your Study Permit Is Already Approved

This scenario is more complex and costly. You'll need to submit an entirely new study permit application, including:

• New acceptance letter from your chosen DLI
• Full application package (forms, photos, supporting documents)
• Complete application fees ($150 CAD plus biometrics)
• Processing time starting from zero

Many students try to avoid this by keeping their original permit and changing schools after returning to Canada, but this strategy can backfire if border officers question the discrepancy between your permit and actual study plans.

Pro Tips for a Smooth School Transition

Research PGWP Eligibility Early If you plan to work in Canada after graduation, verify that both your current and new programs qualify for post-graduation work permits. The rules are specific, and some programs (particularly those under eight months or offered part-time) don't qualify.

Maintain Continuous Enrollment Gaps in enrollment can trigger compliance reviews. If possible, time your transfer to avoid semester breaks or ensure you have proper authorization for any study interruptions.

Keep Detailed Records Document every step of your school change process, including:

• Screenshots of DLI verification
• Copies of all correspondence with IRCC
• Confirmation numbers and reference codes
• Email communications with both schools

Consider Academic Credit Transfer While not an immigration requirement, maximizing credit transfers can help you graduate on time and maintain your timeline for post-graduation opportunities.

Budget for Hidden Costs Beyond tuition differences, consider:

• Application fees for new permits if required
• Potential restoration fees if timing is tight
• Moving expenses if changing cities
• Textbook and material costs for new programs

Red Flags That Require Immediate Action

Certain situations demand urgent attention to protect your immigration status:

Your school loses DLI designation - You'll receive notification and have a limited time to transfer to another DLI or leave Canada.

You fail to maintain full-time status - Most study permits require full-time enrollment. Dropping below this threshold without authorization violates your conditions.

You receive compliance correspondence from IRCC - Never ignore letters or emails from immigration authorities, even if you think there's been a mistake.

Your academic performance falls below institutional requirements - While not directly an immigration violation, academic dismissal can lead to loss of student status.

Your Next Steps

Changing schools as an international student in Canada requires careful planning and strict adherence to immigration requirements, but it's entirely manageable when you understand the process.

Start by verifying your new school's DLI status and understanding exactly which notifications you need to make. Remember that all school change notifications to IRCC are free through your online account—never pay a third party for something you can do yourself.

If you're facing academic challenges like Ali, don't let pride or fear prevent you from making a change that could save both your education and your immigration status. The Canadian education system is designed to accommodate different learning paths, and immigration authorities recognize that students sometimes need to adjust their plans.

The key is doing it right the first time, following proper procedures, and maintaining your legal status throughout the transition. Your Canadian education journey doesn't have to end because your original plan didn't work out—it just needs to evolve within the proper legal framework.