Hearing the good news of getting a study permit to study at your chosen institute is surely overwhelming! But what if the course you selected isn’t exactly what you expected? The disappointment may alleviate your zeal to explore the program’s benefits as well as the other ways that you can choose to change it. There might be chances that you feel the other courses offered by the university are more apt for your future plans. So, the best part is that in Canada, you can change your course without changing anything in your study visa application.
If you aren’t aware of the ways that you can switch your program, there’s no need for you to worry! We are here to tell you the right ways that you can change your program:-
Find the Right Course for Yourself
The first thing that you need to do is find the right course that suits your previous academic pursuits and your future goals. Make sure to go through all the courses that align with your future plans so that you understand the modules. Knowing the modules will make it easier for you to decide on the course. Do a thorough research so that you get to know the learning outcomes. This will help you to choose the right course for yourself so that the course can be switched with ease.
Seat Availability for the Proposed Course
The second step that you need to take is to be aware of the norms of your institute in Canada. You need to know if the program you want to switch to has the seats available for you. Changing course in Canada for international students may become effortless if the seat for your chosen course is available. If the seat is available in your institute then what you can do is talk to the program coordinator of the course that you previously chose. He or she will help you to follow the process as per the university even after you have received your study permit. You can get your course changed following the needed procedure.
Prepare Your Application for the Course Change
International students can still change their course after getting the Visa approval. To change your course, you need to first mail the University and ask them for a course change. They might ask you for a Statement of Purpose stating why you wish to change the program. Mostly, international students get approval for their course change if the seats are available in the desired program. Besides this, you can also send a request through your student portal. The course change depends on the availability of the seats. If you are lucky to have found vacant seats, then you can easily pursue you desired program.
If in case, you’ve found a better course while in Canada then it is recommended to consult with the international student office or an immigration advisor at your educational institution for accurate and up-to-date information regarding changing courses while in Canada. They can provide specific guidance based on your individual circumstances and help ensure a smooth transition to your new course of study.
Notify the Immigration Authorities
Once you have been accepted into the new course, you may need to inform the immigration authorities about the change. This can typically be done through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) portal or by contacting the relevant immigration office. Most likely, a letter of Intent needs to be sent stating why you have chosen to change the course so that they can stay updated.
Compliance with Study Permit Conditions
As an international student, it is essential for you to comply with all the conditions stated on your study permit, including maintaining full-time enrollment, updating your information as required, and following any guidelines set by the immigration authorities. Doing so will help you in your future endeavours whether you are planning to study or for PR.
Get Ready to Study the Program of your choice
Once you have got the approval to study your desired program, you can get started with it. You can get your schedule about the classes and start with it. Make sure to know everything about the program so that you don’t face any issues later.
Conclusion
These were the steps that you need to take to change your course when you have got your study permit. It’s easier than you think, all you need to do is take the first step and make sure to follow it well. However, it is important to note that the above information is general guidance, and it's always recommended to consult the official website of IRCC or seek advice from a qualified immigration professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information based on your specific situation.
