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Study Permit Conditions

As an international student in Canada, you must follow specific rules set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to keep your student status and study permit valid.

  • What are the conditions of my study permit?

    The conditions of your study permit are the following:

    • Must remain enrolled each semester (unless authorized to leave).
    • Making progress towards completing your program.
    • Not taking authorized leaves longer than 150 days from your program.
    • Follow the steps from IRCC if you are changing schools.
    • End your studies if you no longer meet the requirements of being a student

    Learn more about your study permit conditions on the IRCC website.

    Other study permit conditions you may need to follow

    You must follow these conditions, which could include

    • the level of studies
    • if you’re allowed to work on or off campus as a student in Canada
    • if you need to report for medical procedures
    • if you’re allowed to travel within Canada, and
    • the date you must stop studying.
  • What happens if I do not comply with immigration regulations?

    If you do not meet your study permit conditions, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may:

    • 1.  Ask you to leave Canada. 
    • 2. You might also have to wait six months before you can apply for a new study permit (or for a visitor visa or work permit in Canada).

    Not following your study permit conditions, or working or studying in a way IRCC has not authorized, could also negatively affect any future applications you submit.

    More information can be found on the IRCC website.

  • What if I want to take a leave of absence or take a gap year from my studies?

    Information on leave of absence can be found on the Leave of Absence webpage.

    If you are thinking of taking a leave of absence or a gap from your studies, please visit your International Student Advisor as soon as possible. Learn more about your conditions as a study permit holder in Canada.

  • What if I am on academic suspension or dismissal?

    If you are on academic probation, suspension or dismissal, please contact your International Student Advisor as soon as possible, as this can impact your immigration status.  

    Academic standings:

    1. Probation: Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.00 will be placed on probation. Students on probation may continue their studies as long as they achieve at least a semester grade point average of 2.00. Students placed on probation remain on probation until their cumulative grade point average is 2.00 or higher.
    2. Academic suspension: Students will be suspended if they fail to fulfil the conditions of probation. Following a period of at least two semesters, a suspended student may apply for readmission to the university through the Registrar's office. 
    3. Dismissal: Students readmitted after a period of suspension will be readmitted on probation. Students who fail to comply with the conditions of reinstatement or whose performance would result in suspension for a second time will be permanently dismissed.
    4. Program Dismissal: Students who have been dismissed from a program may be eligible to move into another degree or major provided that they are not on suspension and are not prohibited from taking required courses pursuant to any academic regulation or university policy.

    See the university's Academic Regulations for details on probation and suspension policies

    When you are placed on academic suspension, dismissal or program dismissal, you are no longer enrolled. You cannot apply for readmission to the university for at least two semesters.

    Therefore, you will not be considered "actively pursuing studies" and must either change to visitor status or leave Canada and return to Canada when you start/resume your studies. Otherwise, you would be considered non-compliant with study permit conditions.  

  • When does my study permit become invalid?
    1. 1. The day when you are no longer enrolled at the designated learning institution that is named in the permit, other than as a result of completing your studies
    2. 90 days after the day you have completed your studies
    3. The day on which the permit expires

    Therefore, you will not be considered "actively pursuing studies" and must either change to visitor status or leave Canada and return to Canada when you start/resume your studies. Otherwise, you would be considered non-compliant with study permit conditions.