Canada annually welcomes a diverse influx of international students, each entering the country with study permits that come with specific conditions essential to adhere to throughout their educational journey.
Outlined below is a concise overview of these study permit conditions. It is important to note that the precise conditions relevant to an individual student’s case can be found on the permit document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Study Options in Canada
A study permit may include various conditions, encompassing aspects such as work authorization, travel permissions, and specified start/end dates for the permit. Examples of general conditions are as follows:
Enrollment at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), with exemptions available.
- Active pursuit of studies, subject to exemptions.
- Mandatory reporting to the Canadian government if there is a change in the post-secondary school.
- Obligation to terminate studies if the student no longer meets the required criteria.
- Departure from Canada upon permit expiration.
- Specific details about the student’s level of study.
- Authorization for on or off-campus work.
- Requirement to report for medical procedures, if necessary.
- Permission for intra-Canada travel.
- Deadline for discontinuing studies.
- Work Conditions
Many international students aspire to earn while studying in Canada. If permitted by their work authorization conditions, students can engage in on or off-campus work without requiring a separate work permit.
Note: Commencement of work is allowed only after the start of studies.
Temporary changes until December 31 of this year allow certain international students to work more than the standard 20 hours per week (more details available here).
On-Campus Work
For on-campus employment, international students must be enrolled full-time, possess a valid study permit, and have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Termination of on-campus work is required in specific situations, such as the cessation of full-time studies or when the study permit expires.
Off-Campus Work
To engage in off-campus work, international students must be enrolled full-time at a DLI, participating in an eligible program, and possess a valid study permit and SIN. Off-campus work must cease if the study permit indicates no authorization for off-campus work, or if there are changes in the student’s situation that no longer meet the off-campus work requirements.
Travel Conditions
Many international students express a desire to travel outside of Canada during their studies, whether for vacation or to visit family and friends in their home country.
Re-entering Canada with a valid study permit requires the following:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Attendance at a Canadian DLI.
- Fulfillment of all other re-entry requirements for Canada.
- It’s important to note that a study permit itself is not a travel document, and depending on the destination, international students may need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to meet study permit conditions may result in:
- Loss of student status and study permit.
- Requirement to leave Canada.
- A six-month waiting period to apply for a new Canadian study permit, visitor visa, or work permit.
- Exemptions from Study Permit Conditions
Certain individuals holding study permits may be exempt from proving enrollment at a Canadian DLI or actively pursuing studies. Examples of exemptions include those with refugee status, spouses or dependent children of Canadian study or work permit holders, and individuals studying under an exchange agreement between Canada and another country. It is essential for exempted international students to still meet all other study permit conditions to maintain their status in Canada.