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. Mandatory terms differ depending on your registered program.
| Level of Study | Mandatory terms | Full-time (in mandatory terms) |
Optional terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Fall and Winter | 2.0+ credits | Summer |
| Dual Post-Graduate Certificate | Fall and Winter | 2.0+ credits | Summer |
| Single Post-Graduate Certificate | Any two consecutive terms | 2.0+ credits | None |
| Master's/PhD | Fall, Winter, and Summer | Automatic | None |
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. Please read below.
Important Considerations:
| Academic and Financial Deadlines |
Make yourself aware of the academic deadlines and financial deadlines of the current session. If the deadlines have passed to drop courses, those courses will remain on your academic record. If the financial deadlines have passed, you will remain financially responsible for paying for 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 / Dual 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 | The main eligibility criteria for the Post-graduation Work Permit Program is continuous full-time enrollment. Therefore, taking an authorized leave from studies could impact your eligibility. When applying for PGWP, you will need strong evidence that the leave was necessary and provide documentation where possible. Learn more on the IRCC website. If you have questions about this, please email internationaladvising@trentu.ca. |
| Health Insurance | You are registered in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) based on your course registration.
If your UHIP will expire during the term you wish to take a leave and you will remain in Canada during your leave, you must reach out to uhip@trentu.ca to be billed and registered in the policy after your authorized leave is approved. Your UHIP e-card will indicate the expiry date. |
| 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, valid study permit, and entry visa (if applicable). Please check your documents! |
Submit an Application for an Authorized Leave:
| Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Certificate Students | Graduate (Masters/PhD) Students |
|---|---|
Trent International is responsible for assessing your request for an Authorized Leave.
|
The School of Graduate Studies is responsible for assessing your request for an Authorized Leave.
|
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