Taking a Temporary Leave from Studies
Can I take a temporary leave from my studies?
As an international student, you must remain enrolled in each mandatory term of your program to meet your study permit conditions.
- For undergraduate and post-graduate certificate students, this means remaining enrolled in the fall and winter terms. The summer term is optional.
- For graduate students (Masters/PhD), this means remaining enrolled in the fall, winter, and summer terms. All terms are mandatory.
However, international Students may permitted to take a leave from their studies of up to 150 days and still meet their study permit conditions if the leave is authorized by their institution. There are some important considerations you should keep in mind before applying for an Authorized Leave.
Important Considerations:
| Academic and Financial Deadlines | 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 enrollment in those courses. |
| Working | A student is not permitted to work on-campus or off-campus during an Authorized Leave from their studies, even if their study permit indicates they are permitted to work in Canada. Study permit working conditions are tied to full-time enrollment. Therefore, if you are not studying full-time, you cannot work. |
| Summer Work |
Undergraduate/Post-Graduate 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. |
| Leaves that exceed 150 days |
If your leave will exceed 150 days, you must either change your status to visitor or leave Canada and return when you are ready to resume studies. Undergraduate/Post-Graduate Certificate students: if you take an Authorized Leave in the winter term, you may continue to take a break during the optional summer term and return to studies in the fall. |
| Eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program | There are a few cases where you may be able to take an Authorized Leave of up to 150 days from your study program and still meet the conditions of your study permit. You need to provide proof that your DLI authorized the leave when you apply for a PGWP. Learn more on the IRCC website. |
| Ensure your immigration documents are valid | It is your responsibility to ensure your immigration documents are valid if you intend to leave Canada. When returning back to Canada, you will need a valid passport, study permit, and entry visa (if applicable). Please check your documents! |
Submit an Application 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
- Graduate Students: The School of Graduate Studies is responsible for assessing your request for an Authorized Leave.. Apply for an Authorized Leave here.
Meet with an Immigration Advisor:
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