International students in Canada often discover that their academic goals evolve after arrival. You may find a program that better aligns with your career plans, receive admission to a higher-ranked institution, or need to change schools due to personal or academic reasons. The good news is that Canada allows international students to switch programs or institutions without automatically losing their study permit, provided the change is handled correctly and in line with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules. Missteps, however, can put your legal status at risk. This comprehensive guide explains how to change programs or institutions in Canada safely, what IRCC requires, when you must update your permit, and how to stay compliant throughout the process.
Understanding the Basics of a Canadian Study Permit
A Canadian study permit is a document issued by IRCC that authorizes foreign nationals to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The permit is typically issued for the length of your program plus an additional 90 days to allow for preparation to leave Canada or apply for an extension. Importantly, a study permit is not tied to a specific course but is linked to your status as a student at a DLI and to the conditions listed on your permit. Official study permit rules are outlined by IRCC at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit.html.
What Is a Designated Learning Institution
A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Universities, colleges, CEGEPs, and many private institutions are DLIs, but not all schools qualify. International students must remain enrolled at a valid DLI to comply with study permit conditions. The official DLI list is maintained by IRCC at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/designated-learning-institutions-list.html.
Is It Legal to Switch Programs or Institutions in Canada
Yes, it is legal to change programs or institutions in Canada, but the process depends on the type of change you are making. IRCC distinguishes between changing programs at the same institution and changing institutions entirely. Some changes require only an online update, while others require applying for a new study permit. Understanding this distinction is critical to avoiding non-compliance.
Switching Programs at the Same Institution
If you are changing programs within the same designated learning institution, such as moving from one diploma program to another or from a bachelor’s degree to a related program at the same university, you generally do not need a new study permit. Your current permit usually remains valid as long as you continue to meet its conditions, including full-time enrollment where required. However, you must ensure that the new program is at the same level or that your permit does not include restrictions limiting you to a specific program or level of study.
In some cases, such as moving from a language program to a post-secondary academic program, IRCC may require a new study permit. This is because language programs are often treated differently from academic or vocational programs. IRCC guidance on changing programs is available at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/while-you-study.html.
Switching Institutions in Canada
Changing institutions is more complex than changing programs. If you move from one DLI to another at the post-secondary level, you do not usually need to apply for a new study permit, but you must notify IRCC of the change. This notification is done through your online IRCC account by updating your DLI number and school information. Failure to update IRCC can result in non-compliance, even if your permit is otherwise valid.
If you are transferring from a primary or secondary school to a post-secondary institution, or vice versa, you may need to apply for a new study permit. IRCC provides clear instructions on institutional changes at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/change-schools.html.
Step-by-Step Process to Change Institutions Without Affecting Your Status
The first step is to secure a valid offer of admission from the new designated learning institution. You must have an official letter of acceptance confirming your admission before making any changes. Next, log in to your IRCC secure account and update your school information by entering the new DLI number, student ID, and start date. This update is mandatory and must be completed as soon as the change occurs.
After updating your information, ensure that you remain enrolled and actively pursuing studies. IRCC requires students to actively pursue their program, meaning you must be making reasonable progress toward completion. This requirement is detailed at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/conditions.html.
When You Must Apply for a New Study Permit
There are situations where a new study permit is required. These include changing your level of study, such as moving from secondary school to post-secondary education, switching from a post-secondary program to a lower level of study, or enrolling in a program that was not authorized under your current permit. You may also need a new permit if your current one includes specific conditions restricting your institution or program.
If a new permit is required, you must apply before starting the new program. Starting studies without the appropriate authorization can lead to violations that affect future visa applications. Study permit extension and amendment rules are explained at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/extend-study-permit.html.
Impact on Work Authorization
Many international students rely on off-campus work authorization, which allows eligible students to work up to the permitted number of hours during academic sessions. When switching programs or institutions, your work eligibility generally continues as long as you remain a full-time student at a DLI. However, if there is a gap between programs or you stop studying temporarily, your right to work may be affected.
If you complete one program and are waiting to start another, you may only work if the gap is within the authorized transition period and you meet IRCC conditions. Work authorization rules for students are detailed at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work.html.
Gaps Between Programs and Authorized Leave
IRCC allows students to take authorized leaves from studies under specific circumstances, such as medical reasons, family emergencies, or institutional strikes. However, long gaps without authorization can place your status at risk. If you plan to switch institutions and there will be a break between programs, ensure the gap falls within IRCC’s permitted timeframe or apply for a study permit extension if necessary. Authorized leave policies are explained at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/conditions.html.
Effect on Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility
One of the most important considerations when switching programs or institutions is the impact on Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility. To qualify for a PGWP, you must complete an eligible program at a PGWP-eligible institution and meet continuous study requirements. Changing institutions does not automatically disqualify you, but both institutions must be PGWP-eligible, and you must maintain full-time status during each academic session, with limited exceptions.
IRCC assesses your entire study history when evaluating PGWP applications. Inconsistencies, unauthorized gaps, or attendance at non-eligible institutions can lead to refusal. PGWP eligibility rules are published at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation.html.
Documents You Should Keep
Maintaining proper records is essential when changing programs or institutions. You should keep copies of offer letters, enrollment confirmations, transcripts, withdrawal confirmations from previous institutions, and screenshots or confirmations showing that you updated your DLI information in your IRCC account. These documents may be requested during future immigration applications, including PGWP or permanent residence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is assuming that changing schools automatically updates IRCC records. It does not. Another frequent error is starting a new program before receiving authorization when a new study permit is required. Students also sometimes overlook the impact of program changes on work authorization or PGWP eligibility. Each of these mistakes can have long-term immigration consequences.
Special Considerations for Private Institutions
Not all private institutions are equal in the eyes of IRCC. Some private colleges are DLIs but are not eligible for PGWP programs. Switching from a public institution to a non-PGWP-eligible private institution can limit future work opportunities after graduation. Students should always verify PGWP eligibility before accepting a new offer. The list of PGWP-eligible institutions is available at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility.html.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While many students successfully change programs or institutions on their own, professional advice can be valuable in complex situations. These include cases involving previous non-compliance, long study gaps, changes in level of study, or concerns about PGWP eligibility. Licensed Canadian immigration consultants or lawyers can assess your situation and help you make compliant decisions.
Conclusion
Switching programs or institutions in Canada is possible without jeopardizing your study permit, but only if you follow IRCC rules carefully. The key principles are remaining enrolled at a designated learning institution, updating IRCC promptly when changing schools, understanding when a new study permit is required, and maintaining compliance with study and work conditions. By planning ahead, keeping accurate records, and relying on official IRCC guidance, international students can adjust their academic pathways confidently while protecting their legal status and future immigration opportunities in Canada.