Canada Study Permit Conditions and Rules: 2026 Guide

Canada study permit conditions

International students studying in Canada must comply with several study permit conditions imposed by IRCC. These conditions apply throughout the student’s stay in Canada.

• Remain enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Actively pursue studies during each academic semester
• Make academic progress toward program completion
• Respect authorized leave limitations
• Stop studying if no longer meeting student requirements
• Leave Canada or extend status before permit expiry

Students in Quebec may also need to comply with additional provincial requirements related to CAQ and educational institutions.

Actively pursuing studies in Canada

IRCC requires most international students to actively pursue their studies while holding a Canadian study permit.

Students are generally expected to remain enrolled full-time or part-time during academic semesters, regularly attend classes, and make reasonable progress toward completing their program.

• Maintain enrollment during each semester
• Make academic progress toward graduation
• Avoid unauthorized gaps in studies
• Comply with enrollment conditions at the DLI

IRCC officers may review transcripts, enrollment records, attendance history, and school documentation to assess compliance.

Authorized leave from studies in Canada

Certain international students may temporarily pause their studies through an authorized leave approved by their school.

In many situations, authorized leave periods cannot exceed 150 days while the student remains compliant with IRCC requirements.

• Medical reasons or pregnancy
• Family emergencies
• Death or serious illness of a family member
• School strikes or permanent closures
• Approved deferrals or school transfers

Students usually do not need to proactively notify IRCC about authorized leave, but they must provide supporting documents if requested.

Changing schools and deferred enrollment

International students changing schools, deferring enrollment, or transferring programs in Canada may need to update their study permit information with IRCC.

If a school loses DLI status before studies begin, students generally cannot start studying at that institution.

• Apply and receive acceptance from a new DLI
• Update school information with IRCC
• Apply for a study permit extension if required
• Obtain updated enrollment documents

Some students changing schools or study levels may also require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL).

What happens if you do not meet study permit conditions?

Students who fail to comply with study permit conditions may lose their legal student status in Canada.

• Loss of study permit status
• Removal from Canada
• Future immigration complications
• Possible refusal of future permits or visas
• Restrictions on future study or work authorization

Students who work or study without authorization may also negatively affect future immigration applications submitted to IRCC.

People exempt from certain study permit conditions

Some international students in Canada may be exempt from proving enrollment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) or actively pursuing studies under specific IRCC exemption categories.

These exemptions apply only in limited situations defined under Canadian immigration rules.

• Refugee claimants and protected persons
• Certain family members of refugee claimants
• Convention refugees or humanitarian-protected persons
• Foreign government or United Nations representatives
• Members of foreign armed forces in Canada on official duties
• Students participating in official exchange programs
• Certain United States government personnel working in Canada
• Students who became unexpectedly impoverished for reasons beyond their control
• Some family members of Canadian study permit or work permit holders

Even if exempt from some enrollment or active study requirements, students must still comply with all other conditions listed on their study permit.

People exempt from certain study permit conditions

Some international students in Canada may be exempt from proving enrollment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) or actively pursuing studies under specific IRCC exemption categories.

These exemptions apply only in limited situations defined under Canadian immigration rules.

• Refugee claimants and protected persons
• Certain family members of refugee claimants
• Convention refugees or humanitarian-protected persons
• Foreign government or United Nations representatives
• Members of foreign armed forces in Canada on official duties
• Students participating in official exchange programs
• Certain United States government personnel working in Canada
• Students who became unexpectedly impoverished for reasons beyond their control
• Some family members of Canadian study permit or work permit holders

Even if exempt from some enrollment or active study requirements, students must still comply with all other conditions listed on their study permit.

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions explain common IRCC rules regarding study permit conditions, authorized leave, DLI requirements, active studies, and international student compliance in Canada.