Changing Your Program or Level at the Same School
Applicants who want to change their program or level at the same school in Canada may wonder if they need a new study permit. The answer depends on the specific circumstances of the change. This article will explore when a new study permit is required, how to update enrolment without needing a new permit, and how field of study changes can affect Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.
changing your program on a study permit
If you want to change your program at the same school, you may not need a new study permit. However, you must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provide an updated letter of acceptance from your school. You can do this by submitting a request to amend your study permit through the IRCC website. It's a good idea to check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information on study permit requirements, as these can change.
When I spoke with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), they emphasized the importance of keeping detailed records of all correspondence with IRCC and your school, including emails, letters, and receipts. This can help you keep track of your application and ensure that you have all the necessary documents.
when a new study permit is required
A new study permit is required if you are changing schools or pursuing a program at a different level, such as from a bachelor's to a master's degree. In these cases, you must apply for a new study permit and provide all required documents, including a new letter of acceptance and proof of funds. You can find more information on study permit requirements on the IRCC website. For example, if you're changing from a college to a university, you'll need to apply for a new study permit and provide a new letter of acceptance from the university.
updating enrolment
If you are changing programs or levels at the same school and do not need a new study permit, you must update your enrolment information with IRCC. You can do this by submitting a request to amend your study permit through the IRCC website. You will need to provide an updated letter of acceptance from your school and may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of funds. It's also a good idea to notify your school of the change, as they may need to update their records.
field of study changes and pgwp eligibility
Changing your field of study can affect your PGWP eligibility. The PGWP is a work permit that allows international students to work in Canada after completing their studies. To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. If you change your field of study, you may need to complete additional coursework or meet specific requirements to be eligible for a PGWP. You can find more information on PGWP eligibility on the IRCC website. I've seen cases where students have had to complete extra courses to meet the PGWP requirements, so it's essential to plan carefully.
documenting the change
To document a change to your program or level, you will need to provide an updated letter of acceptance from your school and may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of funds. You can submit a request to amend your study permit through the IRCC website. It's essential to keep records of all correspondence with IRCC and your school, including emails, letters, and receipts. This will help you keep track of your application and ensure that you have all the necessary documents.
You can also find more information on study permits and PGWP eligibility on our website, including articles on transferring from college to university on a study permit and online and distance learning. Additionally, you can visit the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs pages for more information on immigration options. For more information on study permits and PGWP eligibility, you can consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.