Changes in Studies
Changes in your studies may impact academic progression; which may result in impacts to your status as a student in Canada; study permit application and/or post-graduation open work permit (PGWP) eligibility.
Changing your studies
Below are some scenarios to be aware of when contemplating changes in your academic progression or studies.
Deferral of Studies
In some cases, a deferral is an option. You must contact your program advisor for details on deferrals; ISS does not process deferral requests.
Leave of Absence
If you need to take a temporary pause during your academic program, you may apply for a leave of absence. A leave of absence may be granted for reasons including: bereavement, paternity leave, medical requirements, physical or mental wellbeing, military service, or political service.
Course Withdrawal
The number of units/courses you take determines your enrollment status as a full-time or part-time student. Withdrawing from a course(s) may impact your enrollment status.
Changing your Designated Learning Institution
If you have started or completed your program at UCalgary and have decided to transfer to another designated learning institution (DLI); you will need to update the IRCC of your change in DLI prior to the start of your new program.
Please ensure you meet these requirements:
- Start your program within 150 days from when you last studied at your previous DLI; and
- Have a valid study permit OR have applied for a study permit extension and are on maintained status; and
- update your change in DLI with the IRCC prior to the start of your program at UCalgary.
- Please follow the instructions found HERE.
- We recommend that you print-screen each page and save it for your records. You will not receive a confirmation email regarding your change in DLI. Rather you will only be notified by a green ribbon across your screen that confirms submission of the change.
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Has Not Started Studies at DLI Associated with Study Permit
To be eligible to make a change in your designated learning institution, you must be an active student in Canada. As a result, if you did not start your program at the designated learning institution (DLI) for which your study permit was initially approved, please submit a new study permit application within Canada requesting for a change in your DLI.
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Application in Progress
If your application is still in progress with the IRCC and a final decision has not been made; then you can update your application by providing the IRCC with:
- your letter of admission for UCalgary;
- updated financials, if necessary
- updated 1st year fee payment, if you are applying via the student direct stream (SDS)
- updated study plan that addresses the change in program and designated learning institution
An update can be provided to the IRCC via webform at the following links:
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Final Decision Rendered
If your application has been approved by the IRCC based on a letter of admission for another designated learning institution (DLI) and you are outside of Canada; you must submit a new study permit application to attend UCalgary. You will need to submit a new study permit application with your admission letter for UCalgary along with all required documents.
*Please do not travel to Canada until your application has been approved.
Students Inside of Canada
If you have started or completed your program at UCalgary and have decided to transfer to another designated learning institution (DLI); you will need to update the IRCC of your change in DLI prior to the start of your new program.
Please ensure you meet these requirements:
- Start your program within 150 days from when you last studied at your previous DLI; and
- Have a valid study permit OR have applied for a study permit extension and are on maintained status; and
- update your change in DLI with the IRCC prior to the start of your program at UCalgary.
- Please follow the instructions found HERE.
- We recommend that you print-screen each page and save it for your records. You will not receive a confirmation email regarding your change in DLI. Rather you will only be notified by a green ribbon across your screen that confirms submission of the change.
Has Not Started Studies at DLI Associated with Study Permit
To be eligible to make a change in your designated learning institution, you must be an active student in Canada. As a result, if you did not start your program at the designated learning institution (DLI) for which your study permit was initially approved, please submit a new study permit application within Canada requesting for a change in your DLI.
Students Outside of Canada
Application in Progress
If your application is still in progress with the IRCC and a final decision has not been made; then you can update your application by providing the IRCC with:
- your letter of admission for UCalgary;
- updated financials, if necessary
- updated 1st year fee payment, if you are applying via the student direct stream (SDS)
- updated study plan that addresses the change in program and designated learning institution
An update can be provided to the IRCC via webform at the following links:
Final Decision Rendered
If your application has been approved by the IRCC based on a letter of admission for another designated learning institution (DLI) and you are outside of Canada; you must submit a new study permit application to attend UCalgary. You will need to submit a new study permit application with your admission letter for UCalgary along with all required documents.
*Please do not travel to Canada until your application has been approved.