Taking a Temporary Leave from Studies

As an international student, you must remain enrolled in each mandatory term of your degree to meet your study permit conditions.  

• For undergraduate and certificate students, this means remaining enrolled in the Fall and Winter Terms. The Summer Term is optional.  
• For graduate students, this means remaining enrolled in the Fall, Winter, and Summer terms. 

Can I take a temporary leave from my studies?

International Students are permitted to take one Authorized Leave of up to 150 days from your program of studies and still be considered to be actively pursuing your studies to meet your study permit conditions and to remain eligible for a future Post-Graduation Work Permit. However, there are some important considerations for you to understand when determining if you should take an Authorized Leave from your studies. 

Prior to making the decision to take an Authorized Leave from your studies, it is important for you to understand the following:

It is your responsibility to keep your student status valid. 

• A student may be permitted to take a leave of 150 days or less from their program of study and still be deemed actively pursuing their studies as per their study permit conditions. 
• You are not permitted to work on or off campus during an Authorized Leave from your studies, even if your study permit indicates you are permitted to work in Canada. Your working conditions are tied to your full-time enrollment in each mandatory term.  
• Undergraduate/Certificate students: if your Authorized leave is in the winter term, you will not be permitted to work full-time during the optional summer term (scheduled break). You must be full-time enrolled in the terms before and after the scheduled summer break to be permitted to work full-time as per your study permit working conditions. 
• Make yourself aware of the academic and financial deadlines of the current session. If the deadlines have passed, you are still responsible for courses on your record and the financial responsibilities of such registration. 
• You do not need to inform Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) prior to taking an authorized leave, but you do need to provide proof that your leave is authorized by Trent University and that it is no longer than 150 days, if IRCC asks for it in the future.
• You will be required to provide proof the leave was authorized by Trent University for a future Post-Graduation Work Permit application. Review the IRCC Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility and taking a leave from your studies. 
• If you have questions, we recommend meeting with an Immigration Advisor prior to taking an Authorized Leave. Book an appointment on the Student Experience Portal > Appointment Booking > Trent International > Immigration Advising 

If you wish to apply for an Authorized Leave: 

• Undergraduate/Certificate Students: Trent International is responsible for assessing your request for an Authorized Leave. Apply on the myTrent portal > Academics > International > International Authorized Leave Request- Undergraduate Only. 
• Graduate Students: The School of Graduate Studies is responsible for assessing your request for an Authorized Leave.. Apply for an Authorized Leave here.