Descriptions sorted by Study Permits

Most international students must remain enrolled in school while they are in Canada in order to maintain the validity of their study permit and their eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example:

• International students are not required to register in a school term that is designated as a break for immigration purposes. Regularly scheduled breaks are explained in Carleton Undergraduate Regulations, section 2.1.2.1 and in Graduate Program Calendars.
• A Leave of Absence for one term may be considered an authorized break from studies.

Immigration considerations related to breaks from studies are explained in full on the ISSO website.

We recommend that you have a study permit that is valid for at least 90 days after the end of your final term. This gives you time to get confirmation that you will graduate and to apply to extend your status in Canada if you want to or need to. This is especially important if you plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

You should apply for renewal early in your final term, because you want to receive your new study permit before the end of the term.

It is Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s usual practice to allow this 90-day window.

The line in the online application asks for a Letter of Acceptance. But continuing Carleton students should actually provide documents that update their registration status and expected program completion date; and also show that they are making progress towards program completion.

These documents are produced by the Registrar’s Office, the FGPA and Carleton Co-operative Education (for co-op students).

Consult the ISSO’s Study Permit Renewal Guide for details.

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