Lasted Updates
Get timely updates on immigration, work eligibility, and health insurance for international students.
Disclaimer
The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. However, this is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.
Overview of taking time away from school
Students may need time away from studies, whether it be for health reasons, a family emergency, because you are in-between programs, or other reasons. All reasons for taking time away from studies will be referred to as "gaps" in the sections to follow.
As an international student at TWU, you have some important things to think about when taking a gap. Taking a gap could negatively impact:
- Your current student status in Canada
- Your current eligibility to work on and off campus
- Your future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Depending on the type of gap, you might be able to keep your current student status and future eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Types of gaps
You must "actively pursue studies" in order to maintain your student status in Canada and your eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. The length and the type of gap impact whether or not you are considered to be actively pursuing studies during your gap.
Gaps considered actively pursuing studies if 150 days or less
- Deferring your program start date after arrival in Canada
- Switching programs at TWU (whether you completed a program or not)
- Changing institutions (whether you completed a program or not)
- TWU-authorized leaves of absences
- Undergraduate students on a scheduled break in the summer session
- Strike or school closure
Gaps which are not considered actively pursuing studies
- Gaps beyond 150 days when deferring program start date after arrival in Canada
- Gaps beyond 150 days when switching programs at TWU (whether you completed a program or not)
- Gaps beyond 150 days when changing institutions (whether you completed a program or not)
- Any other gap not on the approved list above, such as being on academic suspension
- Gaps beyond 150 days due to a strike or school closure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I have already taken a gap in the past?
No immediate action is necessary until you make your next immigration application, such as a post-graduation work permit.
Collect as many documents as you can related to the reason for your gap in studies. Contact our international student services through Service Hub for personalized assistance.
What should I prepare if I need to take a TWU-authorized leave?
At TWU, due to differences in academic programs and procedures, undergraduate and graduate students follow different processes when requesting a leave of absence.
Carefully review how taking time away from studies impacts your immigration and other potential impacts as described on this page, particularly if you will be on leave for more than 150 days and will be in Canada during your leave.
Therefore, if you are an international student currently studying at TWU and planning to take a leave, please contact TWU’s Immigration Advisor (RCIC/RISIA) through the Service Hub if you have any questions about the immigration impacts of taking a gap.
Please note:
- No matter what reasons you have, if you take personal arranged leave and even if TWU approves your personal arranged leave based on academic requirements, taking personal arranged leaves more than 150 days does not meet the study permit conditions set by IRCC. It affects your Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility and your Study Permit Status in Canada. Check here on the IRCC official website.
- Based on immigration law R186(F)(V) stated on your current study permit, you are not allowed to work in Canada during your personal leave. It is important to note that unauthorized work is an offense in Canada!
- If you only have a valid study permit, you must meet study permit conditions, which are the IRCC requirements for study permit holders. If you leave your studies for personal reasons (e.g., personal arrangement, family emergency, financial difficulties) during program required academic semesters, taking personal breaks from your program might impact your immigration status as a study permit holder. To IRCC, all study permit holders in Canada are required to actively pursue studies, meaning that you must remain enrolled and make reasonable and timely progress towards completing your program, which includes attending reasonable amount of classes in person. Failing to do so could lead to your removal from Canada.
If you still have questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada?
- Workshops and Seminars: Our workshops and seminars are conducted regularly to help international students stay informed and empowered. Link to TWU Calendar.
- Service Hub: For personalized assistance in resolving immigration-related questions, please submit your inquiries through Service Hub. Our team is here to provide specific support and help with any concerns you may have. Please note that TWU RCICs or RISIAs can only advise international students, their spouses, common-law partners, and children. We do not submit IRCC applications on behalf of international students.