As a study permit holder in Canada, it's crucial to understand and adhere to the conditions tied to your permit. Failing to meet these conditions can result in the loss of your student status and study permit, and potentially require you to leave the country. Here’s a detailed guide to help you stay on track and ensure a smooth study experience in Canada.
Essential Conditions for Study Permit Holders
Designated Learning Institution (DLI) Enrollment: This is a fundamental requirement for maintaining your study permit in Canada unless you're exempt. To apply for a study permit, you need an acceptance letter from a DLI, which is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. While all primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs, they aren't included in the specific list of DLIs for post-secondary education.
Actively Pursuing Your Studies: Demonstrate active engagement in your studies by maintaining full-time or part-time enrollment during semesters (excluding scheduled breaks), making progress in your coursework, and limiting authorized leaves of absence to a maximum of 150 days.
Reporting Changes: Notify immigration authorities of any changes in your educational institution.
Program Completion and Departure: Conclude your studies and depart Canada upon your permit's expiry.
Additional Permit-Specific Conditions
Your study permit may include specific conditions tailored to your program or situation. These may outline:
Permissible level of study (e.g., undergraduate, graduate)
On-campus or off-campus work authorization
Travel restrictions within Canada
Program completion deadline
What Happens If Your School Loses Its DLI Status?
If your school loses its DLI status after you’ve obtained your study permit, you can continue studying at that school until your permit expires. However, to extend your study permit, you’ll need to enroll at a school that maintains DLI status.
Deferred Enrolment and DLI Status
If you’ve deferred your enrolment and the DLI that issued your acceptance letter loses its designation before you start studying, you cannot commence your studies at that school. Instead, you’ll need to:
Apply to and be accepted by a new DLI.
Update your learning institution information in MyAccount.
Authorized Leaves from Your Studies
You can take a leave of up to 150 days from your program under certain circumstances, such as:
Medical reasons or pregnancy.
Family emergencies, including the death or serious illness of a family member.
Any other type of leave authorized by your school.
School closures or strikes.
Changing schools.
Deferred program start dates.
You must start your studies the next semester if it begins sooner than 150 days and obtain an updated letter of acceptance.
Restrictions During Authorized Leave
You are not permitted to work on or off campus during an authorized leave, even if your study permit allows you to work in Canada.
Proving Compliance with Your Study Permit Conditions
Authorities might ask you to prove you’re meeting your study permit conditions through:
Random checks.
Investigations if there is a reason to believe you’re not complying.
You might need to provide:
Official documents from your school confirming your enrolment status, reasons for leave, or changes in your study program.
Official transcripts.
References from individuals who know you.
Medical documentation if applicable.
Proof of school closure or other relevant documents.
Impact of COVID-19 on Study Permit Conditions
If your classes were suspended or moved online due to COVID-19, you should get a letter from your DLI confirming your continued enrollment and participation in online studies to prove compliance.
Consequences of Not Meeting Study Permit Conditions
Failure to meet your study permit conditions may result in being asked to leave Canada and a possible six-month wait before you can apply for a new study permit or other visas. Non-compliance can also affect the outcome of future applications.
Exemptions from Certain Study Permit Conditions
Certain study permit holders are exempt from proving enrollment at a DLI or active pursuit of studies, including:
Refugee claimants and their family members.
Convention refugees or humanitarian-protected persons.
Accredited representatives or staff from international organizations.
Members of foreign armed forces in Canada.
Students under specific exchange agreements.
Those who have suddenly become impoverished due to reasons beyond their control.
Even if exempt from some conditions, you must still adhere to other conditions listed on your study permit.
Considering Canadian Studies? Don't Wait!
Canada remains a welcoming destination for qualified individuals seeking world-class education and diverse experiences, but more strategy is required now than ever.
If you're considering studying in Canada, starting the application process early is crucial. Contact us or schedule a consultation with our Consultants to discuss your options and develop a personalized strategy for your Canadian study aspirations.
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