Some international students who come to Canada for studies might feel the need to change their college. As most of them make decisions influenced by their agents in the home country, students can be misguided. They might feel that the particular college they are enrolled in isn’t their best choice or the program doesn’t suit their interest. Other reasons could be the discouraging faculty, unable to adapt to the environment, they can be studying in a non-designated learning institute (DLI) that makes them ineligible for post graduate work permit (PGWP) and so on.

So, am I allowed to change college?

Yes, you can change your college according to CIC. However, you must meet all the conditions stated by them.

Having said that, you have to be extremely careful while doing so. So here are a few things that you need to consider before changing your college:

1) Change the (Designated Learning Institute) DLI number – It is important to notify the High Commission about any change you make in college. And to do it, you need to change your DLI number in your CIC account.

2) Unofficial breaks – As per CIC, you should avoid long breaks between your enrollment as it can affect your international student status in Canada.

3) Inform the current college – You have to withdraw your enrollment officially from the school you are currently studying. Having their approval is necessary. If you fail to do so, the old school might report you as an unregistered student. And according to CIC if you are unregistered, you are breaking the conditions for a study permit.

 
Points to remember for Post-secondary students looking to change schools:

• If you are a post-secondary student studying in DLI school, the school you want to change must also be a DLI student.
• Inform CIC every time when you change your school.
• If you are changing school on your own account, the service is free of cost.
• If you are changing schools, there is no need to apply to change of study permit.

Which educational bodies are included in post-secondary studies?

• Universities
• Community colleges, CEGEP, institutes
• Private universities, career colleges, academies, schools or training institutes and
• ESL/FSL and other language training

What do I need to know if I am planning to move to a school in Quebec?

• Get an acceptance letter from the desired school.
• You must get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
• Finally, apply for a study permit. If you already have a study permit in other provinces and get a CAQ, you do not have to apply again.

You need to contact the Immigration of Quebec, ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).

These were a few important things you need to be mindful of when changing a college. If this seems to be a tedious process or you think that you can make mistakes, we suggest you take professional help. Or else feel free to contact us today. Click here to contact. We will be happy to help you. We have highly experienced consultants to support you to get through this transition smoothly.