A student considering withdrawing from their first semester within 10 days (to get a refund) and switching to a new college for the next intake — with roughly a 4-month gap between institutions — asked how this affects PGWP eligibility.
- Withdrawing within 10 days after already holding a study permit is possible when changing colleges. This is distinct from withdrawing before ever starting on a study permit; the scenario here involves switching schools after the permit is already in place.
- Expect a partial refund, not a full one. The college may deduct certain charges even if you withdraw within the 10-day window, so don't count on getting the entire tuition back.
- You cannot legally work during the gap period. Since your study permit's work authorization is tied to being enrolled and attending, the 4-month gap between leaving one college and starting the new course means no legal work authorization during that time.
Takeaway: switching colleges early in your first semester is workable, but budget for some non-refundable charges and plan for a period without legal work authorization until your new program actually begins — this gap doesn't need to derail PGWP eligibility as long as the overall program requirements are still met later.