International Students: Taking A Semester Break In Canada

International students in Canada are required to actively pursue their studies and make progress toward completing their program to stay in compliance with study permit conditions. Students are eligible to take a semester break, but this may impact their eligibility for scholarships, awards, and grants, as well as their future eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The length of the break also matters, as taking a gap longer than 150 days will require a change to visitor status or leaving the country.

International students in Canada must maintain full-time enrollment before and after breaks

As an international student in Canada, you must actively pursue your studies and make progress toward completing your program to stay in compliance with study permit conditions. If you do not meet the requirements, you will be non-compliant, which can put your study permit, current eligibility to work, and future eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at risk.

To be considered actively pursuing your studies, you must maintain full-time enrollment during the academic terms before and after your scheduled break. The reading weeks, breaks between semesters, and scheduled breaks should not exceed 150 days in an academic year. You can take a scheduled break during the fall or winter semester without seeking permission from the university. However, you must be prepared to explain the trimester system and your full-time enrolment status to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for your PGWP application.

During a scheduled break, you are eligible to work full-time on and off-campus. However, if you are no longer enrolled in full-time studies, you are not eligible to work in Canada during the academic term or scheduled breaks. Additionally, taking a break from studies could impact your eligibility for scholarships, awards, and grants. If you plan to take a gap of 150 days or more, you will need to change to visitor status or leave Canada before the 150-day period ends.

If you are considering taking a break, it is important to review your specific program's scheduled breaks. While most programs run from September to April, with May to August as a scheduled break, this is not universal. Some colleges operate year-round, and the semesters may vary. For example, a college may have three semesters in a year: January to May, May to September, and September to January.

Breaks of over 150 days require a change to visitor status or leaving Canada

As an international student in Canada, you must actively pursue your studies and make progress toward completing your program to stay in compliance with study permit conditions. If you take a break of more than 150 days, you will not be considered "actively pursuing studies" and must either change to visitor status or leave Canada before the 150-day period ends. You can return to Canada when you start or resume your studies. Failure to do so will result in non-compliance with study permit conditions, which can impact your current eligibility to work on and off-campus and your future eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

If you plan to remain in Canada during your break, you will need to pay for a University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) premium using a credit or debit card. Additionally, if you are on a break, you are not eligible to work in Canada during the academic term, nor are you eligible to work during scheduled breaks before and after the term in which you are taking a gap. This includes if you have a co-op work permit, which cannot be used for work unrelated to your studies. To be eligible to work, you must have a work permit that is unrelated to your studies, which can be difficult to obtain.

If you are on visitor status due to taking a gap of 150 days or more, and your study permit and your spouse's open study or work permit will expire, your children must obtain their own study permit. If you plan to return to your studies in Canada after taking a break, you must request a letter from your academic advisor or graduate staff before re-entering the country. This letter should state that you are eligible to return to your program of studies. Upon your return, if asked by an officer, present this letter along with any documentation of your break, such as leave approval or copies of plane tickets. After your gap, you can resume studies on your current study permit if it is still valid.

It is important to note that taking a break from studies can impact your eligibility for scholarships, awards, and grants. Additionally, taking gaps that are not considered actively pursuing studies can impact your PGWP eligibility. When you apply for the PGWP, it is recommended to write a letter explaining the reason for your gap in studies and provide as many supporting documents as possible.

Gaps in studies can impact future Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility

As an international student in Canada, you must actively pursue studies and make progress toward completing your program to stay in compliance with study permit conditions. Gaps in studies can impact future Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. If you take a gap longer than 150 days, you will not be considered "actively pursuing studies" and must either change to visitor status or leave Canada before the 150-day period ends.

To maintain full-time status in an academic year, you must be enrolled in a minimum of 1.5 credits in any two terms out of three (e.g., fall & winter, winter & summer, or fall & summer) and may take a break or take courses part-time in the third term. Reading weeks, breaks between semesters, and scheduled breaks should be no longer than 150 days in every academic year. You are eligible to work full-time on and off-campus during these scheduled breaks.

If you are no longer enrolled in full-time studies, you are not eligible to work in Canada during the academic term or scheduled breaks before and after the term in which you are taking a gap. If you have a co-op work permit, you cannot use it for work unrelated to your studies. To be eligible to work, you must have a work permit unrelated to studies, which can be difficult to obtain.

If you plan to take a break from your studies, you should collect as many documents as possible related to the reason for your gap. When you apply for the PGWP, write a letter explaining the reason for your gap and provide supporting documents. Upon return to Canada, present this letter along with any documentation of your break (e.g., leave approval, copies of plane tickets). After your gap, you can resume studies on your current study permit if it is still valid.

Students must collect documents to explain reasons for a gap in studies

Taking a semester break as an international student in Canada is possible, but it is important to note that it depends on the specific program you are enrolled in. Most programs run from September to April, with May to August being a scheduled break. However, this may vary, so it is essential to refer to the schedule of your particular program.

Now, if you are considering taking a gap year or semester break, you must provide valid reasons and supporting documents to justify your time away from your studies. This is because a gap in your studies can impact your career prospects and future opportunities. Canadian universities and colleges may request additional documents and evidence to support your explanation for the gap.

The required documents will depend on your specific circumstances. Here are some examples of what you may need to provide:

• Medical certificates: If your gap year is due to unexpected illness or injury, you must present medical certificates to prove your condition and support your application.
• Financial records: For students who need to take time off to secure finances, proof of financial stability is mandatory when applying for a Canadian student visa.
• Work experience letters: Some universities may request evidence of any work experience or internships completed during your time off.
• Family business documents: If you were involved in a family business during your break, providing relevant documentation can demonstrate your commitment and contributions during that time.
• Military service records: For those who have served in the military, official records are essential to explain any gaps in your academic history.
• Voluntary work certificates: Were you engaged in any volunteer work or community service during your time off? Certificates or letters of appreciation can showcase your dedication and personal growth.
• Skill certificates: Any skill-building courses or certifications you earned during your break can enhance your application and explain your time away from formal education.
• Statement of purpose: Along with the above documents, a well-crafted statement of purpose can help you communicate your reasons for taking a break and how it has contributed to your personal and academic growth.

Remember, the key is to provide a clear and honest justification for your gap year or semester break. Canadian educational institutions value genuine reasons and proof of how you have spent your time productively.

Students can take authorised leave for one term for specific reasons

As an international student in Canada, you must actively pursue studies and make progress toward completing your program to stay in compliance with study permit conditions. However, if you have specific reasons, you can take authorised leave for one term. This could be due to illness, pregnancy, military service, or family emergencies. If your leave is authorised, you will receive a letter from the Registrar's Office, documenting it.

During your leave, you may choose to remain in Canada or return home. If you stay in Canada, you will need to pay for a University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) premium using a credit or debit card. Remember that as soon as you are no longer enrolled in full-time studies, you are not eligible to work in Canada during the academic term or scheduled breaks. Additionally, taking a break from studies could impact your eligibility for scholarships, awards, and grants.

When you return to Canada after your authorised leave, you may resume studies on your current study permit if it is still valid. If your study permit will expire during your break, contact International Student Advising before the expiry date to discuss your options. Upon your return, you will be expected to return to active full-time studies.

To ensure a smooth process, it is important to maintain full-time enrolment during the academic terms before and after your scheduled break. Additionally, if you take a gap longer than 150 days, you will no longer be considered "actively pursuing studies" and must change to visitor status or leave Canada before the 150-day period ends.

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