Hello, hope you are all well. I had a question I wanted to ask. Is it possible to change courses after you are already in Canada as an international student? Like for example, if I am in Canada studying an accounting related program, is it possible to change to another line? Like Arts or sciences? I realize this might be a very stupid question but I was just curious, can anyone answer this?
Can you change programs?
- Thread starter Abe98Kay
- Start date
ok so if Im currently doing a Business course and I want to change to a science or an art course I can notify the change and move forward? Will that affect my international student status or have any affect on it? Thanks again for the reply.
To change to another course within the same institution/same university, you just need to inform IRCC using your CIC account. No further problem in this case.
If you want to change to another program at another school, that is where the problem begins.
ok thanks for the reply. One last question, will changing from, for example a degree course to a diploma be a problem?
According to IRCC, it shouldn't, but no one can say for sure since IRCC constantly changes its mind on what is permissible or not.
If you are changing to a lower level of program I would want approval first. The new rules are in place because too many people arrived and changed to easier degrees.
If you pay attention to your current Study Permit under “Additional Information-Fifth Row” Field of Study it says specific field you were granted Study Permit. Lets say, Mine was “Business/Commerce” and I decide to change to “Arts” or Science”…..doing so you go against terms of your SP
Second question if you decide to change “level of study” from degree to Diploma.imo if duration of the study changes, then it makes terms on your original LOA change. You are Authorized to change but Officer has authority to assess and make determination on your next application if there is “reasonability” toward “progression”
Correct it is silent but gives an officer wide power to consider student reasons for the change. In my opinion, reasons for the change could be;
1. Change in financial status vs duration of course
2. student fail and withdrawn from program by DLI
3. Academic misconduct,
4. Duration of the course chosing short route toward pgwp
If i am correct,we should expect changes in SP that will affect future applicant.
below is what i could find on the website. Sample case: multiple change of institutions/course
“However, to assess if a student who has changed institutions or programs of study a number of times should be considered to be actively pursuing their studies, the officer should consider the student’s reasons for the changes. In cases where multiple program or institutional changes do not appear to support the expectation that the student is making reasonable progress toward the completion of a Canadian credential, the officer may determine that the study permit holder has not fulfilled their study permit condition to actively pursue their course or program of study.”