How to Change Your University or Program After Landing in Canada?

Study visas in Canada are very common. Students from almost every continent of the world come to pursue their higher studies in Canada. Meanwhile, there are numerous changes of mind after they reach the country. Like changing the university or the program/course they initially got enrolled into. Tripbeam is here to guide you to the right path if you are stuck in such a situation. Likewise, Tripbeam offers the flexibility to customize your online cheap flights to India from Canada. You can be relieved from the thought that Canada has the flexibility to change universities or programs. However, there are important steps and guidelines to follow. In this blog, you will learn how you can achieve it with a smooth transition. Moreover notifying IRCC and maintaining full-time status.

Understand the Guidelines and Protocols

Once you arrive in Canada, you explore the insights of the education system. Then you might get a thought that the course or the university you chose is not suitable for you. Or maybe you come across something more flexible and beneficial. In such cases, students wish to change their university or the course after racing the country. But is it possible? Definitely, but under some specific protocols and guidelines. The process involves some authorities like Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Involving them is crucial because their approval and surety are important. So that the course you are about to change into meets the criteria of your student permit. Moreover, students will only be able to proceed either within the same school or transfer to a different institution entirely.

What to do After Arriving in Canada to Change the University or the Course?

Here are the crucial authorities and legal steps you need to take to change your education source. These are some essential considerations to prioritize. Otherwise, your education will not be smooth during your time in Canada.

• Inform the IRCC, as switching universities can affect your study permit status. Therefore, holding a suitable visa type is essential. In case the new course or university you choose does not align with the current visa type, then that needs to be taken care of. However, even in that case, you will be guided by the IRCC officials.
• Another important step is to check in with the new university regarding the transfer of credits. To clarify, many universities in Canada have transfer agreements. This allows students to transfer some or all credits from their previous program.
• One more crucial consideration is to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If you already have it, then it must be eligible for your consideration change. Not only that, the new institution and the program must meet the conditions required for PGWP eligibility.

Additionally, when you complete your course, you need to keep up with the visa history to submit a legal and accurate report. Then you can get your online last minute flights from Canada to India.

Changing University

Since we are talking about two major aspects at the time, they are quite different from each other. If you want to change the university then it requires much more than changing just a course within the same university. Just consider these steps:

• The common step is to inform the IRCC.
• Check if the university you are migrating to meets the eligibility criteria of the study permit you hold.
• Ensure that the university offers full-time courses at eligible educational institutions.
• Check if the university grants transfer agreements. So that students can transfer some or all credits from their previous program.
• Again the PGWP is essential for a university switch.

Changing the Program/Course

You might also feel that the university you are entering offers something even better for you. Then you can change your course or the program with the university you enrolled in. Naturally, this process is a bit easier than the university switch as universities require a broader switch process. 

• Check-in with the university policies on their official website first. Or talk to the student admission authorities.
• However, we suggest you meet an academic advisor or admissions office. They will understand the requirements for changing your program.
• You need to ensure yourself and the authorities that you can maintain a full-time course load. You have to align with at least three to four courses per semester (depending on the program).
• Another important consideration is the duration of the course. Check if the course is longer or shorter than your initial choice, you may need to update your study permit with the IRCC.

Common Considerations

However, almost every detail aligns. But there are some common considerations either you want to switch to a university or just a course. 

• Meet the tuition fee criteria. You must know what extra or less you would have to pay than your previous course. When you transfer, your financial planning may need adjustment.
• Meanwhile, confirm if you hold any scholarships or financial aid. check if the new program or university offers similar opportunities.
• Try to keep your switching choices in your permit type. To clarify, avoid choosing a university or course that dissects your visa type or the permit you have already.

On the contrary, Tripbeam lets you book Business class flight tickets to India at very affordable rates and you can even customise your services after booking.

Bottom Lines

In the end, there are a few considerations. These are essential while changing your ongoing educational institute or program. However, we suggest you do thorough research before applying to the first university or course. However, if you feel the need to change, you must take care of the criteria and some guidelines. 

You must also check Why Indian Students Are Required to Resubmit Documents to IRCC for Canada Visa.