College Initiated Withdrawal
So you’ve been withdrawn by the college…now what?
If you have been notified by the college that you are being withdrawn from your program, this page provides some possible options. Check out the information below to find out what to do next.
Remember, these are general options; not all of them will apply to your situation. For example, if you have been withdrawn due to unpaid fees, you likely cannot enter a new program until your fees are paid. If you have questions about your original program or your withdrawal, contact your Program Coordinator.
Note: This page is intended for students whose withdrawal has been initiated by the college. If you are choosing to withdraw, return to the Program Withdrawal page and choose your campus. Otherwise, your withdrawal will not be processed.
If you have been withdrawn and you want to go into a new program this term (Winter 2026)
If you do not know what program you want to take, explore the Choosing a New Program after a Program Withdrawal page.
Note: If you have NOT been notified that you are being withdrawn by the college, this information does not apply to you. Return to the Withdrawal and Program Change page and follow the instructions to initiate your transfer.
If you have been withdrawn and you want to apply to a new program in a future term
- Choose a new program and apply on the Ontario Colleges application system (OCAS).
- You do not need to take any action to withdraw from your current program. If your withdrawal has not yet been processed, the Registrar’s Office will process it shortly.
- Review the Information and Reminders for Students Who Are Withdrawn by the College page, which has information about some steps you may need to take.
- If you do not know what program you want to take, explore the Choosing a New Program after a Program Withdrawal page.
Note: If you have NOT been notified that you are being withdrawn by the college, this information does not apply to you. Return to the Withdrawal and Program Transfer page and follow the instructions to initiate your transfer.
If you have been withdrawn and you want to leave the college
You do not need to take any action to withdraw. If your withdrawal has not yet been processed, the Registrar’s Office will process it shortly.
Please review the Information and Reminders for Students Who Are Withdrawn by the College page, which has information about some steps you may need to take.
Note: If you have NOT been notified that you are being withdrawn by the college, this information does not apply to you. Return to the Program Withdrawal and Transfer page and follow the instructions to initiate your withdrawal.
If you have been withdrawn and want to return to the same program this term (Winter 2026)
If you plan to return to your studies for the same program this term (Winter 2026), please review the withdrawal email provided by your academic area to confirm any conditions/ possible dates to return.
- If you are required to start from Level 1.
Apply on the Ontario Colleges application system (OCAS). It is important to apply for your new program as soon as possible, as programs will become unavailable for applications shortly after the start date. - If you are eligible to continue at your current level (Level 2+).
Contact your Program Coordinator to learn if your level is offered at the time you plan to return and if there is space available. - If you have further questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office.
Note: If the level you require is not available in Winter 2026, please read the instructions under the title “If you have been withdrawn and you want to apply to a new program in a future term” below.
If you have been withdrawn and you want to return to the same program this term (Winter 2026)
If you plan to return to your studies for the same program this term (Winter 2026), review the withdrawal email provided by your academic area to confirm any conditions/ possible dates to return.
- If you are required to start from Level 1. Complete the International Program Transfer Within the Same Term (Winter 2026) form. You can check if your program meets PGWP eligibility.
- If you are eligible to continue at your current level (Level 2+). Please reach out to your Program Coordinator to learn if your level is offered at the time you plan to return and if there is space available.
- If you have questions about study permit conditions or Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility, please submit an ‘Ask the IEC’ help ticket.
Note: If the level you require is not available in Winter 2026, please read the instructions under the title “If you have been withdrawn and you want to apply to a new program in a future term” below.
- Check the expiry date of your current study permit. Make a note to extend your study permit from within Canada at least 60 days before it expires.
- You may be considered on an authorized leave for up to 150 days if your program of choice is not offered in Winter 2026 and you have not previously taken an authorized leave. Authorized Leave is a break that is not scheduled, but is approved by the College. International students may not be eligible to work during authorized leave. Authorized leave is supported by IRCC for a number of different reasons, for up to 150 days. You must contact an International Student Advisor to confirm your eligibility.
If you have been withdrawn and you want to go into a new program this term (Winter 2026)
- If you want to transfer to a different program for Winter 2026, please complete the International Program Transfer Within the Same Term (Winter 2026) form.
If you do not know what program you want to take, explore the Choosing a New Program after a Program Withdrawal page.
Students wishing to be eligible to work in Canada after graduation are encouraged to select a PGWP-eligible program to ensure they meet the new Field of Study requirement for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
If you have been withdrawn and you want to apply to a new program in a future term
- If you want to transfer to a different program for Spring 2026, follow the Steps to Transfer to a New Program. Please read the following immigration-related information:
- You may be considered on an authorized leave for up to 150 days if your program of choice is not offered in Winter 2026 and you have not previously taken an authorized leave. Authorized Leave is a break that is not scheduled, but is approved by the College. International students may not be eligible to work during authorized leave. Authorized leave is supported by IRCC for a number of different reasons, for up to 150 days. You must contact an International Student Advisor to confirm your eligibility.
- Check the expiry date of your current study permit. Make a note to extend your study permit from within Canada at least 60 days before it expires
- If you have further questions or you are taking a break because of program availability, please submit an ‘Ask the IEC’ help ticket explaining your situation.
- If you want to transfer to a different program after Spring 2026 follow the Steps to Transfer to a New Program. Please read the following immigration-related information:
- IMPORTANT! Your study permit validity may be at risk. You must contact an International Student Advisor to discuss your options and potential immigration implications.
- Check the expiry date of your current study permit. Make a note to extend your study permit from within Canada at least 60 days before it expires.
- If you have further questions or you are taking a break because of program availability, please submit an ‘Ask the IEC’ help ticket explaining your situation.
If you have been withdrawn and do not want to take any further programs at Algonquin College
If you do not plan to continue studying at Algonquin College:
- You do not need to take any action to withdraw. If your withdrawal has not yet been processed, the Registrar’s Office will process it shortly.
- Algonquin College is required to report to Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you are not studying. As a student, it is your responsibility to know IRCC rules and regulations that pertain to your stay here in Canada. Please read the “Your conditions as a study permit holder in Canada” webpage.
- Review the Information and Reminders for Students Who Are Withdrawn by the College page, which has information about some steps you may need to take.
- For questions about your Winter 2026 refund, please Ask The Registrar’s Office
Are You Attending Another School?
- Read IRCC’s guidance if you are changing to a new college or university.