Planning to Change School After Getting Study Permit 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Planning to Change School After Getting Study Permit 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Planning to Change School After Getting Study Permit 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know!

📌 Keywords: Change school in Canada, transfer schools as an international student, study permit Canada 2025, international student rules, switch colleges in Canada.

Introduction: Can You Change Schools After Getting a Study Permit?

Are you planning to change schools after obtaining a Canadian study permit in 2025? With the new immigration rules introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it is crucial to understand the process and requirements before making a move.

Effective January 2025, international students transferring to another institution must comply with updated IRCC regulations to maintain their legal status in Canada.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition when changing schools in Canada as an international student.

1️⃣ Who Needs a New Study Permit to Change Schools in 2025?

Depending on the type of institution you are transferring to, you may need to apply for a new study permit.

✅ Situations Where a New Study Permit is Required:

✔ Transferring between colleges or universities (e.g., from a private college to a public university).
✔ Changing from a secondary school to a post-secondary institution.
✔ Moving to a new Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in a different province.
✔ Studying in Quebec? You’ll need to apply for a new Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) along with your study permit.

❌ No Study Permit Required If:

✔ You’re switching programs within the same institution (e.g., Bachelor’s to Master’s at the same university).
✔ You’re transferring between elementary or secondary schools.

💡 Pro Tip: Not sure if your new school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)? Check the official IRCC DLI list here.

2️⃣ New IRCC Rules for School Transfers (2025 Update)

If you’re changing schools in Canada in 2025, here’s what you need to know:

🔹 Deadline to Apply for a New Study Permit: If your new institution requires a new study permit, you must apply before transferring.

🔹 Winter & Spring 2025 Exception: If your study permit remains valid but lists your old school, you may start studying at the new institution before receiving your updated permit.

🔹 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Impact:

  • As of November 1, 2024, students must meet new PGWP requirements.
  • If your initial study permit was issued before this date, you may be exempt from new PGWP rules.
  • However, if you apply for a new study permit after transferring, you must meet the updated PGWP criteria.

💡 Pro Tip: If your goal is to get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), make sure your new school qualifies for PGWP eligibility!

3️⃣ How to Change Schools in Canada Without Violating Your Study Permit

Follow these 5 simple steps to transfer to another school in Canada legally:

✅ Step 1: Check Your New School’s DLI Status

Before transferring, verify if your new school is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) on the IRCC website.

✅ Step 2: Get a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from Your New Institution

You must have a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from your new school before applying for a study permit update.

✅ Step 3: Inform IRCC About Your Transfer

Use the IRCC Portal to notify them of your new school:

  1. Log in to your IRCC account.
  2. Go to “Transfer Schools”.
  3. Enter the new DLI number and your study permit details.
  4. Submit your request and wait for confirmation.

📢 Important: Failing to report your transfer to IRCC can result in your study permit becoming invalid!

✅ Step 4: Apply for a New Study Permit (If Required)

If your transfer requires a new study permit, apply online at IRCC Canada. Processing times vary, so apply at least 3 months in advance.

✅ Step 5: Keep Studying While You Wait (If Allowed)

If your current study permit is still valid, you can continue studying at your old school until your new study permit is approved.

4️⃣ How Does Changing Schools Affect PGWP & Work Permits?

Many international students change schools to improve PGWP eligibility. Here’s how it may impact your work opportunities:

📌 PGWP Eligibility Rules (2025 Update):
✔ You must graduate from a DLI-approved institution to qualify for a PGWP.
✔ Transferring to a non-DLI school may make you ineligible for PGWP.
✔ If you switch to a shorter program (less than 8 months), you may lose PGWP eligibility.

💡 Pro Tip: Before changing schools, confirm with IRCC whether your new school qualifies for PGWP benefits.

5️⃣ FAQs – Changing Schools in Canada (2025 Guide)

❓ Can I change my school in Canada after getting a study permit?

✅ Yes! However, you must follow IRCC rules and inform them of your transfer.

❓ Do I need to apply for a new study permit?

✔ Only if you change institutions at the post-secondary level or move to Quebec.

❓ Can I work while transferring schools?

✔ If your new study permit is in process and your old permit is still valid, you may continue working part-time (up to 20 hours per week).

❓ Will changing schools affect my PR application?

✔ If your new program is PGWP-eligible, it won’t affect your PR pathway. However, changing to a non-DLI schoolcould impact PR eligibility.

Final Thoughts: Should You Change Schools in Canada in 2025?

Transferring schools in Canada can be a great decision for better career opportunities, lower tuition fees, or improved PGWP eligibility. However, to avoid legal issues, you must follow IRCC’s new rules for international students.

⏳ Planning a transfer? Start preparing NOW so your study permit remains valid and your immigration pathway stays secure!