Can I change my college after 1st semester in Canada?

The system in Canada is very flexible, and students have options especially when it’s in the best interest of their career.

For example, if my college doesn’t offer the specialization I want, I’d love to change to one that does.

The same applies to other conditions like if you’re struggling in your current school – finding a college that suits you can make all the difference.

Personal reason like proximity to family is also a valid reason to want a switch.

If you need to change colleges, you have that option, especially if you find a better fit for both your academic and personal needs.

Can I change my college after 1st semester in Canada?

You can change your college after your first semester in Canada. However, you need to get approval from your current institution and inform IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about the change.

Also, ensure you meet the admission requirements and transfer policies of your new college to make the transition smooth

To change college, you must be an active student (in a designated learning institution) with a valid study permit.

Read also: Is an interview compulsory for a UK student visa?

In addition, you must find a new college that:

• • Accepts transfer students
  • And, ensure that you meet their admission requirements.

Changing college can affect your student status, therefore, follow the correct procedures (outlined by your institution) to maintain your legal status.

Do not forget, the IRCC must be aware of the change and your study permit, must be updated after the change.

Is it easy to change college in Canada?

Changing colleges is easy in Canada. If you meet the admission requirements of the new college, and they’re willing to accept transfer students, you can easily switch colleges.

How to change college after 1st semester in Canada

If you‘re ready to change college after 1st semester in Canada, first, talk to your academic advisor:

• Talk to an academic advisor: Before you make the switch, speak with your academic advisor or counsellor.

Share your reasons for wanting to change and any concerns you have.

If they believe it’s a good decision, you’ll get the green light to ahead.

• Search for a new college: Just like you wouldn’t leave home without having another place to go, you need to find a new college before you leave where you are currently.

If you’re switching due to your current program or want to pursue a new one, find colleges that offer what you’re looking for and match your preferences.

• Check the new college’s transfer credit policies: Contact the admissions office at the new college to know their transfer credit policies.

You’ll likely need your transcripts from your current college for evaluation.

This will help determine which of your existing credits can be transferred.

• Apply for admission to the new college: Once you’ve confirmed that transferring won’t be an issue, go ahead and apply.

Complete the online application form, following the admission guidelines.

• Get admission and offer letter: After reviewing your application, the new college will grant you admission if you meet their requirements.

Read also: Can international students take a semester off in Canada?

Upon accepting the offer, they’ll send you an official “acceptance letter,” which you need to complete the transfer process.

• Notify your current college: Let your current college know about your decision to transfer.

Every college has a transfer procedure – follow your current college transfer procedure.

Do you need to update your study permit when you change college in Canada?

You need to update your study permit when you change colleges in Canada. When switching to a new designated learning institution (DLI), you must update your study permit to inform Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of the change.

This ensures that your authorization to study in Canada is “still” valid.

If you fail to update your study permit after changing your college, it’ll negatively affect your status.

As a student in Canada, your study permit is tied to your college, if you make a change, the authorities must be aware.

Update your study permit by submitting a new “acceptance letter” through the IRCC web form.

Read also: Do host families get paid for exchange students?

If you applied “for your current study permit” on paper, create an account with IRCC to link your study permit number.

To submit your new “acceptance letter” to IRCC, you need:

• An online account.
• Your study permit number – it starts with the letter “S” and you will find it at your permit’s top right.
• Your new school’s DLI number. It is available on the list of DLIs.
• Your new student ID number. It is on the acceptance letter from your new school.
• The start date at your new school.

Do I need to inform IRCC if I change my program?

Just like in changing colleges, you need to inform Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you change your program of study, whether or not the new program is at a different Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

You must update your study permit information through your IRCC account to ensure your immigration status remains valid.

At every point of your stay in Canada as a student, IRCC needs to have the current details about you (including, your address, current program of study, and institution), therefore, when you change your program, they must know.

You must inform them!

How to inform IRCC about college change

To inform IRCC about a college change:

• Log in to your account.
• In your account, go to “Transfer from DLI number” in the “Designated Learning Institution Student Transfer” section of your dashboard.
• Enter your study permit application number and click “Search for my application.”
• Provide information about your original study permit application to help the system identify your application.
• Put your new DLI number, your new Student ID number, and the start date at your new school, then click “Submit transfer.”
• On the “Confirm” prompt, Check your details and click “Confirm Transfer.”
• The transfer is now complete. You’ve successfully notified IRCC about changing colleges.

If you get to this point, you have successfully changed colleges after 1st semester in Canada.

FAQs

I just arrived in Canada as an international student. Can I change schools and programs before starting with the school I got admitted to?

If you just arrived in Canada as an international student and wish to change schools and programs before starting at the institution you were admitted to, you can do so.

However, the new school must be designated by the IRCC and the program must align with your study plan.

Do you need a new student visa if you change college after 1st semester in Canada?

No, not at all, if you change colleges after your first semester in Canada, you do not need a new student visa.

Your current student visa is still valid, therefore, there is no need for another one.

However, you must update your study permit after you change college.

How to change college in Canada for international students

To transfer colleges in Canada, apply for admission to the new college. After they offer you admission, accept it, and complete the transfer. Finally, inform IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada) about the change and get a new study permit.

Can I change my school after getting a study permit?

You can change your school after getting a study permit in Canada. However, you’ll update your current study permit after the change.

Can I change my college after 2nd semester in Canada?

You’re allowed to change colleges after the second semester in Canada. However, it’s not advisable as you’re already deep into your current program and not every college will accept you at this level.

Can I change my course before reaching Canada?

Yes, you can change your course before arriving in Canada, but you need to inform both IRCC and your school about the change.

If the new course is at a different institution or significantly changes your study plan, you’ll update your study permit or apply for a new one.

If you want to change colleges after your first year in Canada, you can do so, however, you need approval from your current institution, and you must inform IRCC about the change.