Changing Study City in Canada with Student Visa

Yes, a student can change their city of study in Canada after obtaining a student visa, but there are certain steps and considerations to keep in mind:

Changing Your Institution

1. Notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

o If you plan to change your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you must notify IRCC. This is a requirement under Canadian immigration regulations.

o You can notify IRCC through your online account by updating your DLI information.

2. Ensure New Institution is a DLI:

o The new institution you wish to transfer to must also be a Designated Learning Institution. You can check the list of DLIs on the IRCC website.

3. Obtain a New Letter of Acceptance:

o You will need a new letter of acceptance from the new institution. This is required to update your study permit information with IRCC.

4. Study Permit Conditions:

o Ensure that your study permit conditions are met when changing institutions. The conditions on your permit may include maintaining full-time student status and making progress towards completing your program.

Steps to Change Your City of Study

1. Apply to the New Institution:

o Apply and gain acceptance to the new institution in your desired city.

2. Update IRCC:

o Log into your IRCC online account and update your DLI number with the new institution’s DLI number.

3. Submit Required Documents:

o You may need to upload a new letter of acceptance and other supporting documents as required by IRCC.

4. Wait for Confirmation:

o Wait for IRCC to process your update. This can usually be done online and does not typically require a new study permit application unless the conditions of your permit change significantly.

Important Considerations

1. Program Changes:

o If you are changing your program of study as well as your institution, ensure that the new program is still in line with your study permit conditions. Significant changes may require additional approval.

2. Work Permit Impact:

o If you are working on or off-campus, ensure that changing your institution does not affect your eligibility to work. Generally, as long as you maintain full-time student status at a DLI, you can continue to work under the same conditions.

3. Health Insurance:

o Health insurance coverage can vary by province. Check the health insurance requirements and coverage in your new city/province of study to ensure you are adequately covered.

4. Housing and Living Arrangements:

o Plan your move carefully, including securing housing in the new city and understanding the cost of living and other logistical aspects.

Conclusion

Changing your city of study in Canada is possible but requires notifying IRCC and ensuring that you comply with the conditions of your study permit. By following the necessary steps and maintaining your status as a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution, you can successfully transition to a new institution and city of study. If you have any uncertainties or complex situations, consulting with an immigration advisor or the international student office at your current or prospective institution can provide additional guidance.