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 in the university’s regulations
• 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 GO-ISSO website.

The GO-ISSO recommends 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 it is beneficial to receive your new permit by the time you are ready to apply for the PGWP.

It is Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s usual practice to account for this 90-day window when they issue study permits.

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 Office of Graduate Studies and Carleton Co-operative Education (for co-op students).

Consult the GO-ISSO’s Study Permit Renewal Guide for details. It is found on our Online Learning Resources page.

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