Can International Students Take a Semester off in Canada?

UPDATE MAY 2026: International students in Canada may still be able to take a break from studies, but the break must be handled carefully. As of May 2026, IRCC continues to treat an approved leave of up to 150 days as an authorized leave if it is approved by the student’s designated learning institution. This may include medical reasons, pregnancy, family emergency, death or serious illness of a family member, school closure, school transfer, deferred program start date, or another reason accepted by the school.

Students do not usually need to notify IRCC in advance about an authorized leave. However, they must keep documents proving that the leave was approved by the school and that it did not exceed 150 days. This is important because students may later be asked to prove they complied with the conditions of their study permit.

Students should also know that they cannot work on campus or off campus during an authorized leave, even if their study permit normally allows them to work. Working during a leave may create problems for future applications, including a work permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit application.

Taking a semester off can also affect your future immigration plans. If your leave is not properly authorized, lasts too long, or causes you to stop actively pursuing your studies, it may affect your student status and future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. It may also affect long-term plans for permanent residence in Canada.

Before dropping courses, taking a semester off, changing schools, or pausing your studies for health or personal reasons, it is best to review your school’s leave policy, your study permit conditions, your work authorization, and your PGWP eligibility. If you are unsure how a break from studies may affect your status, you can book an immigration consultation with Ansari Immigration.

---

International students in Canada can take a break from studies, but only under specific conditions. IRCC allows a leave of up to 150 days if it is authorized by your designated learning institution (DLI). If your break is longer than 150 days, or is not properly authorized, you risk losing your student status and your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

As a study permit holder, you need to meet a number of conditions. You may lose your student status and study permit if you don't meet these conditions. You may also have to leave Canada.

Understanding the Consequences of the conditions of your study permit

The big question now is: what happens if students like Alex and Isabella accidentally violate their study permit conditions? The consequences can be severe, including losing student status and study permit and potentially being asked to leave Canada. It's a scary thought, but that's where we come in. Ansari Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you stay on the right side of regulations.

What counts as an authorized leave from your studies?

There are a few cases where you may be able to take a leave of up to a maximum of 150 days from your program of studies and still be considered to be actively pursuing your studies.

You don’t need to tell us if you’re taking an authorized leave. However, if we ask for it, you must provide proof that your leave is

• authorized by your DLI and

• no longer than 150 days

It counts as authorized leave if

• your school has authorized a leave from your study program for

  • medical reasons or pregnancy

  • family emergency

  • death or serious illness of a family member

  • any other type of leave your school authorizes

• your school has closed permanently or because of a strike

• you’ve changed schools

• you or your school deferred your program start date

  • In this case, you must start your studies the next semester, even if it starts sooner than 150 days, and get an updated letter of acceptance.

You can’t work on or off campus during an authorized leave from your study program, even if your study permit says you’re allowed to work in Canada.

What Happens If Your Break Is Not Authorized or Exceeds 150 Days?

If your break is not authorized by your school, or lasts longer than 150 days, IRCC may determine that you are no longer actively pursuing your studies. This means: You may be considered to have violated your study permit conditions You may lose your right to work on or off campus Your PGWP eligibility may be affected — especially if the unauthorized break reduces your total months of full-time study You may need to apply to restore your status as a student before you can resume If you have already taken or are planning an unplanned break, document everything and get advice before your 150-day window closes. Restoration is possible but must be applied for before your status fully lapses.

Proving Compliance: The Paper Trail

Proving compliance can be quite the paper trail, from providing official transcripts to documents confirming reasons for leaves of absence. It may seem daunting, but remember, you are not alone. We at Ansari Immigration are committed to helping you navigate this maze, ensuring you're always prepared for any eventuality.

Support and Resources

Remember, help is always at hand. As an international student, you have access to various resources, from counselling services at your school to community groups for international students. We at Ansari Immigration can also connect you with relevant resources to ensure you have the support you need during your study journey.

In conclusion, we understand that regulations can be complex and even intimidating. But they are not insurmountable obstacles. With the right guidance from Ansari Immigration and the support of the vibrant international student community, you can conquer these challenges and enjoy a fruitful study experience in Canada.

If you have any questions or need support, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Ansari Immigration. We are here to help you navigate your journey, one semester at a time. Because your success is our mission.