International Students Guide

Can an international student change programs after arriving in Canada?

Yes, but there is a procedure to follow:

Step-by-Step Process to Change Programs:

Check your institution’s policies: Confirm the requirements for changing programs with the academic department or student services.
Update your study permit conditions (if required):

If you’re staying at the same institution but changing the program, there’s no need to notify IRCC.
If changing institutions, you must log in to your IRCC account and update your information. Here’s how:
- Go to your IRCC account.
- Select “Transfer DLI” and provide details of your new school.

Ensure new school/program is a DLI: Make sure your new institution is on the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) list.
Get new Letter of Acceptance: You will need a new Letter of Acceptance from your new program for IRCC updates.
Notify your current school: Let your current institution know you are transferring to avoid being reported as not enrolled.
Continue to follow permit conditions: Make sure you remain compliant with your study permit while changing programs.

Can an international student take a break while studying?

Yes, but only with approved reasons.

Talk to your academic advisor: Discuss your reasons for needing a break and explore how it may affect your studies
Submit an application for Leave of Absence (if required): Contact the academic department to apply for an official Leave of Absence (LOA).
Get approval: Ensure your institution officially approves your leave for it to count as an authorized leave under IRCC guidelines.
Update IRCC if necessary: If your leave exceeds 150 days, you may need to change your status (e.g., to a visitor visa) or leave Canada.
Return to studies: Once the leave ends, you can resume your studies without affecting your study permit if all requirements are met.

Can an international student return to their home country during studies?

Yes, you can return home, but ensure the following steps are followed for re-entry to Canada:

Step-by-Step Process for Returning Home:

Check visa/eTA validity: Make sure your visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) will still be valid when returning to Canada.
Inform your institution: Let your school know you will be away during a break or leave period.
Keep travel documentation: Always carry your valid study permit, visa/eTA, and passport for re-entry.
Re-entering Canada: Upon return, show your documents to the border officer to demonstrate that you are a valid student.

What should an international student do if they fail a course or their program?

Step-by-Step Process After Failing a Course:

Contact academic advisor: Schedule a meeting with your advisor to review your options, such as:

Retaking the course.
Applying for academic support or tutoring.
Discussing alternative programs if necessary.

Remain enrolled: Ensure you are continuously enrolled in full-time studies to maintain your study permit status.

Explore program change (if needed): If failing the course affects your program path, consider changing programs

Maintain communication with IRCC: Ensure your study permit conditions are not violated by staying in contact with your institution and updating your study plan.

Can I work during my studies?

Yes, international students with a valid study permit can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided they are enrolled full-time.
Students can work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, without any hourly restrictions.
International students in Canada can work full-time on-campus with a valid study permit that allows for such employment.

What happens if my study permit expires?

You must apply for a study permit extension before it expires. If it has already expired, apply within 90 days for a restoration of status to continue your studies.

How do I apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Upon completing a program at a DLI, you can apply for a PGWP. This permit allows you to work full-time in Canada for the duration of your program (up to 3 years).

How to Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Complete Your Program at a DLI

Ensure you have completed a program of at least 8 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and obtained a graduation letter or official transcript from your school.

Gather Required Documents

All applicants must provide proof of language proficiency starting from November 1, 2024.
This proof can be provided through standardized tests like IELTS or CELPIP, with the required levels being:
University graduates need to demonstrate a CLB 7.
College graduates need to demonstrate a CLB 5.

Letter of Completion: This document confirms that you’ve completed all the requirements for your program. It’s issued by your institution.

Official Transcript: Ensure that all your grades are available before requesting your transcript.

Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the full length of the work permit you are applying for.

Study Permit: A valid study permit is required at the time of applying.

Digital Photo: It must meet the IRCC’s specifications for visa and permit applications.

Submit Your PGWP Application Online

Select “Apply for a work permit.”

Complete the online form and upload the required documents.

Pay the Application Fees

The fees for a PGWP include:

Work permit fee: CAD 155

Open work permit holder fee: CAD 100

Wait for Processing

After submitting the application, processing can take several weeks. You will receive updates in your IRCC account.

Maintain Your Status

If you apply within 180 days of receiving your graduation letter, you can remain in Canada and work full-time while awaiting the decision, as long as you had a valid study permit at the time of application.

Receive Your PGWP

Once approved, you will receive your PGWP, which allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on the length of your program.