Leave from studies

Students may be required or to take leave from their studies while in Canada. For the purpose of assessing if a student is actively pursuing their studies, any leave taken from a program of studies in Canada should not exceed 150 days from the date the leave commenced and must be authorized by their DLI.

A student on leave who begins or resumes their studies within 150 days from the date the leave commenced (that is, the date the leave was granted by the institution) is considered to be actively pursuing studies during their leave. If a student does not resume their studies within 150 days, they should do either of the following:

• change their status (that is, change to visitor status or worker status)
• leave Canada

If they do not change their status or leave Canada, they are considered non-compliant with their study permit conditions.

In cases where a student has taken multiple periods of leave in Canada during their program of study, the officer should consider the student’s reasons for the various periods of leave. If the multiple periods of leave do not appear to support the expectation that the student is making reasonable progress toward the completion of their course or program of study in the time allotted by the course or program of study, the officer may determine that the study permit holder has not fulfilled the condition to actively pursue their course or program of study.

Examples of reasons for leave include but are not limited to the following:

• medical illness or injury
• pregnancy
• family emergency
• death or serious illness of a family member
• change in program of study within the same institution, outside a regularly scheduled break
• dismissals or suspensions (dependent on degree of severity)
• postponed program start date (see Deferred enrollment for more information)

Please note that undergraduate students do not have a leave of absense option.

Please speak to an International Student Advisor before considering taking a leave from your studies as it has implications on your status in Canada, study permit/post graduation work permit eligibility, and ability to work in Canada.

How to connect with an ISA: