Quick answer: as a study permit holder you must stay enrolled at a designated learning institution, actively pursue your studies, follow the work and other conditions printed on your permit, and leave Canada when it expires unless you get new status.
Your study permit isn’t just permission to enter Canada. It comes with conditions that apply for your whole stay. Breaking them can cost you your status and affect future applications, including a post-graduation work permit.
This guide is general information based on official sources. Your own requirements depend on your situation, and IRCC makes every decision, so check the official pages before you apply.
The main study permit conditions
| Condition | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Stay enrolled at a DLI | Remain registered at a designated learning institution, unless you’re exempt. |
| Actively pursue your studies | Be enrolled full-time or part-time every semester (except scheduled breaks) and make progress in your courses. |
| Limit authorized leaves | Any authorized leave from studies should be 150 days or less. |
| Follow the conditions on your permit | These can include your level of study, whether you can work, medical reporting and the date you must stop studying. |
| Work only as allowed | Off-campus work is limited to 24 hours a week during terms if you’re eligible. See student work rules. |
| Leave when your permit expires | Or apply to extend it, or for another status, before it expires. |
Changing schools or programs
Post-secondary students must apply to extend their study permit before moving to a different school. Changing programs at the same school is usually simpler, but check how it affects your PGWP eligibility and PAL. IRCC’s changing schools page explains the steps.
Taking a break from studies
You can’t work on or off campus during an authorized leave, even if your permit normally allows work. Keep proof of the leave, because IRCC can ask for it.
What happens if you don’t follow the conditions
- You may lose your student status and your permit.
- IRCC may ask you to leave Canada.
- You may have to wait six months before applying for a new study permit, work permit or visitor visa from inside Canada.
- Future applications, including a PGWP or permanent residence, can be affected.
Schools report students’ enrolment status to IRCC, so missed semesters are visible.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study part-time on a study permit?
Your permit requires you to actively pursue studies, which can include part-time study in some cases. But part-time study usually means you can’t work off campus, and it can affect PGWP eligibility.
Do I need to tell IRCC if I take a leave?
You don’t need to report an authorized leave, but you must be able to prove it if IRCC asks.
What if my study permit expires before I finish?
Apply to extend it from inside Canada before it expires. If it has already expired, you may be able to restore your status within 90 days for a fee.