Can international students take a semester off in Canada?

In Canada, international students must stay enrolled full-time to keep their student status active.

This means you can’t take time off from your studies unless it’s during scheduled breaks like winter or summer.

However, the rules allow some flexibility.

If you’re facing health issues, family emergencies, financial difficulties, academic struggles, or related issues, you have an open option for a semester off.

Can international students take a semester off in Canada?

International students in Canada can take a semester off, but you must inform your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and follow your school’s policies.

If you take a semester off without getting proper authorization, it’ll affect your status, as full-time enrollment is required to maintain your student status in Canada.

Additionally, taking an unauthorized break will make you ineligible to work on or off campus.

There are two key conditions for taking a semester off:

1. You must have a valid reason, like a family emergency or health issues.
2. And, your school must approve the time off.

Read also: What should I do if my Canada student visa is rejected?

Additionally, you cannot take more than 150 days off, and you must resume your studies by the next semester even if it starts sooner than 150 days.

Taking a semester off as an international student

The government and designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada have rules and policies about taking a leave of absence, also known as a gap semester, break or semester off.

These rules exist to ensure that you maintain continuous enrollment in your program.

If you take a semester off without permission, you’ll be classified as abandoning your studies.

Abandonment of studies means that you’ve stopped attending classes, failed to complete assignments or exams, or otherwise ceased to make progress in your program.

When this happens, you risk losing your student status and being asked to leave Canada.

If you wish to take a semester off, you must have a valid reason to do so and get permission from your school.

Permission from your designated learning institution qualifies you for an authorized leave of absence.

Read also: How to prepare for a UK student visa interview

Every DLI in Canada is mandated to report a student who takes time off from studies without authorization.

The authorities will be on your neck if you leave without permission.

Even when you get permission to take a semester off, you’ll be out for a limited time.

How long can international students stay out of school in Canada?

International students in Canada can stay out of school for up to 150 days without affecting their student status.

However, they must inform their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and follow its policies.

If you (an international student in Canada) take a leave of absence or a break from studies for whatever reason or any other type of leave authorized by your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), the leave must not exceed 150 days. 

If you stay out of school for more than 150 days without a valid reason, your study permit can be revoked by the authorities.

Consequences of taking a semester off in Canada without authorization

When you take a semester off in Canada without authorization, your study permit will become invalid, and you’ll lose your legal status in the country.

In addition, you won’t be allowed to return and continue your studies.

Furthermore, it’ll affect your future visa applications and your overall immigration history.

Read also: Interview questions and answers for a UK student visa

Leaving without permission is a violation of your student visa regulation – it’ll have lasting consequences.

Authorized reasons to take a semester off as an international student in Canada 

You’ll  be allowed to take a semester off if you have:

1. A medical challenge: If you are dealing with a medical or health issue that requires you to leave Canada, you can take a semester off to focus on your treatment.

2. Personal or family issues: Issues like family emergencies or the loss of a loved one are valid enough to get you a semester off.

3. Financial challenges: If you’ve money issues and it makes it impossible for you to continue, you can take a semester off to sort yourself out instead of dropping out entirely.

4. Academic problems: If you’re struggling academically and need time off – you can be granted a semester off depending on the situation.

5. Other compelling reasons: Other reasons like life events or a unique opportunity that cannot be pursued while in school, can get you time off.

What you need to know before taking a semester off in Canada 

When you take a semester off, it’ll extend the length of your program, if you were going to spend 3 years in Canada, you now need more than that.

In addition, taking a semester off will delay your graduation – if you’re on a 3-year program, you’ll need more than 3 years to graduate.

Upon taking a semester off, your studies will be interrupted.

FAQs

Can an international student defer a semester in Canada?

An international student can defer a semester in Canada. If you have a valid reason to defer a semester like a visa application delay, you can proceed to submit a a deferral request.

Many DLIs have a deferral policy – they allow their student to defer a semester for valid reasons.

Before you submit a deferral request, talk to your academic adviser.

Can an international student take a break from their studies in Canada?

As an international student in Canada, you can take a break from your studies but you must be authorized to do so by your designated learning institution.

To get authorization for a break, apply for a leave of absence through your institution’s international student office, they’ll review your application and subsequently approve it.

Read also: Do host families get paid for exchange students?

Once you receive an approval letter, you can take a break from your studies.

Scheduled break in Canada for international students

Every international student in Canada on a full-time study has the right to schedule a break but it should not be longer than 150 days.

In addition, your cumulative break per year should not be more than 180 days.

Can an international student skip a semester?

An international student can skip a semester. However, you need to get approval from your school.

Skipping a semester and taking a semester off bear the same consequences and must be done only when authorized by a student’s school.

As a student in Canada, always consult with your school’s international student office before making relevant academic decisions.

Whatever the reason you want to take a semester off, ensure that your school is aware and gives approval.