So earlier I was accepted into a PG certificate program in cyber security at York University, I applied for my visa on the same and it got approved and I got the vida stamping done as well. But later on, I was offered Masters in Information Systems & Technology at the same university with the same DLI number, and I want to go for Masters. What should I do now and how I can inform IRCC about it and will it raise any questions by the CBSA? As i would also have to request withdrawal from the PG course and ask for a refund, would it affect anything?
Can I change my program in the same DLI from a 1 year program to a 2 year program after receiving a Canadian study visa?
- Thread starter Aditsharma3
- Start date
I have received my canada study visa for fall 2023 intake for a 1 yr PG certificate program in cybersecurity but now I have been offered Masters in Information Systems & Technology in the same university with the same DLI number, what should I do if i want to pursue masters and not the earlier PG certificate course. What should I do? Should I inform IRCC about it and how to proceed?
Informing IRCC is not required in such a case. Get your updated LOA. You can always apply to extend your study permit in Canada.
So can i withdraw from my PG program now and ask for a refund and when i arrive at the CBSA which LOA will i show and what questions will I be asked if i show the LOA for masters and not PG certificate program ?
I personally don’t know how York University handles change in problems. Logically speaking, they should just request for the difference amount and thereby steer clear of any refunds. Again, that’s between you and your university.So can i withdraw from my PG program now and ask for a refund and when i arrive at the CBSA which LOA will i show and what questions will I be asked if i show the LOA for masters and not PG certificate program ?
Keep your PG LOA and Masters LOA in-hand. When asked by the officer to present the LOA, present the masters LOA. If any follow up questions, you can tell them that you were offered a seat in their masters program which you accepted. They may ask for your PG LOA or not.
So basically the PG certificate had a fees and i paid for it fully, but the masters I applied for and received is fully funded by the university so I will have to file for the refund for the same. So how should I proceed with it?I personally don’t know how York University handles change in problems. Logically speaking, they should just request for the difference amount and thereby steer clear of any refunds. Again, that’s between you and your university.
Keep your PG LOA and Masters LOA in-hand. When asked by the officer to present the LOA, present the masters LOA. If any follow up questions, you can tell them that you were offered a seat in their masters program which you accepted. They may ask for your PG LOA or not.
Great! Apply for the refund. Have some kind of proof that university is fully funding your studies which you already may. And you are all set!So basically the PG certificate had a fees and i paid for it fully, but the masters I applied for and received is fully funded by the university so I will have to file for the refund for the same. So how should I proceed with it?
So do i need to inform IRCC about it before arriving in canada and if yes how and what should i provide for the same?
So do i need to inform IRCC about it before arriving in canada and if yes how and what should i provide for the same?Great! Apply for the refund. Have some kind of proof that university is fully funding your studies which you already may. And you are all set!
My visa issued to me says FPC on it, and if I withdraw from the PG program and proceed with the refund would it in any way affect my visa etc?
In no way will it affect the process. IRCC only needs to be informed if you are changing your DLI, not your programs.My visa issued to me says FPC on it, and if I withdraw from the PG program and proceed with the refund would it in any way affect my visa etc?
No you still need to inform them if changing programs if the programs is less advanced. A masters is a more advanced program. The big issue was people changing to easier programs and schools once they entered Canada. If you are taking a more advanced degree not an issue.In no way will it affect the process. IRCC only needs to be informed if you are changing your DLI, not your programs.
Thanks for the reply @canuck78, so in my case I need not inform IRCC before travelling right, and just present my updated masters LOA, good thing is that the PG certificate program was in cybersecurity and the masters is in Information systems & technology, so yes they are related and even a more advanced program of PG program right?No you still need to inform them if changing programs if the programs is less advanced. A masters is a more advanced program. The big issue was people changing to easier programs and schools once they entered Canada. If you are taking a more advanced degree not an issue.
Also what if I need to directly update them at the CBSA at Toronto Airport what all should I carry with me?
I would personally send a webform to IRCC with your new LOA just to update your file. No need for a new study permit. Yes you’ll need to show your new LOA when getting your SP. You’ll need to apply to extend your study permit if your new degree is 2 years not 1 year. I would suggest applying 6 months before your study permit expires and at least 6 months before graduation given current processing times. Wouldn’t worry you are taking an advanced degree at a good university. The concern was/is really when people apply for advanced degrees and then change do easier degrees and often at schools that are less reputable.Thanks for the reply @canuck78, so in my case I need not inform IRCC before travelling right, and just present my updated masters LOA, good thing is that the PG certificate program was in cybersecurity and the masters is in Information systems & technology, so yes they are related and even a more advanced program of PG program right?
Also what if I need to directly update them at the CBSA at Toronto Airport what all should I carry with me?