The International Student's Guide to Study Permit Conditions: Are You 'Actively Pursuing' Your Studies?

Oct 25, 2025

As an international student, receiving your study permit is a huge milestone. But it's important to remember that this document isn't just an entry pass, it's a contract with the Government of Canada that comes with specific, mandatory conditions.


Failing to meet these conditions, even by accident, can have severe consequences for your stay in Canada and any future immigration plans.


At Blacksy, we want to ensure you are fully informed about your responsibilities. The two most important conditions on your study permit are:


  1. You must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

  2. You must be actively pursuing your course or program of study.


While the first point is straightforward, that second condition—"actively pursuing studies"—is where many students get into trouble. What does it really mean? What happens if you need to take a break, defer a semester, or switch schools?


Let's break down exactly what you need to know.


The Two Golden Rules of Your Study Permit


According to Canada's immigration regulations (R220.1(1)), you are subject to two main conditions:


  1. Remain Enrolled: You must be enrolled at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) named on your permit. If your permit doesn't name a DLI (common for older permits), you must simply remain enrolled at a DLI.

  2. Actively Pursue Studies: You must be making reasonable and timely progress toward completing your program.


Important Note on Changing Schools: As of November 8, 2024, if you are a post-secondary student and your study permit names your DLI, you must apply for a new study permit if you wish to change to a different DLI. You can no longer just change your DLI online.


What Does "Actively Pursuing Studies" Really Mean?


This is about more than just having your name on a class list. IRCC officers can assess this if you apply for a permit extension or re-enter Canada. They want to see that you are genuinely here to study.


This means:

  • Maintaining Enrolment Status: You must maintain at least a part-time course load as defined by your DLI. (Note: In Quebec, you are required to maintain full-time status).

  • Making Progress: You must be able to show you are making reasonable progress toward completing your program. An officer may become suspicious if you have multiple program changes, have failed many courses, or have taken an unreasonable amount of time to complete your studies.


The Big One: Taking a Leave from Your Studies


This is the most critical area for students to understand. Life happens. You may need to take a break for a medical illness, a family emergency, or pregnancy. This is called a leave from studies.


If you need to take a leave, it must be authorized by your DLI. Your DLI's international student advisors are the first people you should talk to.


The 150-Day Rule


For immigration purposes, any DLI-authorized leave should not exceed 150 days from the date the leave began.

  • If you resume studies WITHIN 150 days: You are considered to be "actively pursuing studies" during your leave. Your study permit status is secure.

  • If your leave is LONGER than 150 days: You are no longer considered to be actively pursuing your studies.


What You MUST Do if Your Leave is Longer than 150 Days:


If you are in Canada and your authorized leave will be longer than 150 days, you have only two legal options:

  1. Change Your Status: You must apply to change your status (e.g., to a visitor or worker, if eligible) before your 150-day period ends.

  2. Leave Canada: You must leave Canada and can return when you are ready to resume your studies (you may need a new study permit).


If you do neither and simply stay in Canada without studying, you are non-compliant with your study permit conditions.


What About Deferring Your Program Start Date?


What if you arrive in Canada but need to defer your first semester?

  1. You must get this deferral formally approved by your DLI.

  2. You must get an updated Letter of Acceptance (LOA) with your new start date.

  3. The Rule (if you are in Canada): You must begin your studies by the next semester OR within 150 days from the date your deferral was confirmed, whichever comes first.


If you cannot start within this timeframe, you must either change your status to a visitor or leave Canada.


CRITICAL: What You CANNOT Do on a Leave


This is a major trap for students. A DLI-authorized leave is NOT a "regularly scheduled break" (like a summer holiday).


During any leave from your studies (even if it's DLI-authorized and under 150 days):

  • You CANNOT Work: Your authorization to work on or off-campus stops immediately.

  • You CANNOT Do a Co-op: If you have a co-op work permit, you cannot use it during a leave.


Working during an unauthorized leave is a serious violation of your study permit conditions.


The Severe Consequences of Non-Compliance


Ignoring these conditions is one of the worst mistakes an international student can make. If an officer determines you have not complied with your study permit conditions, you could face:


  • An Exclusion Order (removal from Canada).

  • A 6-Month Ban: You may be barred from applying for a new study permit or work permit for six months.

  • A Negative Immigration Record: This non-compliance will negatively affect all future applications you make, from visitor visas to Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) and Permanent Residency (PR).


Your Study Permit is Your Responsibility


These rules are complex, and the stakes are high. Your DLI's international student advisor is your first and most important resource. Always speak to them before you drop courses, take a leave, or defer your program.

Navigating study permit compliance, especially with authorized leaves or past issues, requires careful planning and expert knowledge. If you are unsure about your situation, have taken an unauthorized leave, or are facing an allegation of non-compliance, it is crucial to get professional legal advice immediately.

Contact us at Blacksy for a consultation. We have the expertise to help you understand your options and protect your status in Canada.


—o—


About the Author


I’m Ahmet Faruk Ocak, a Canadian immigration lawyer and the founder of Blacksy Immigration Law Firm 🌊. 


At Blacksy, we specialize in providing honest, straightforward, and tailored immigration solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide. Our brand promise is simple: no unnecessary fuss, no false hopes, and no empty promises—just realistic, reliable guidance to help you achieve your immigration goals.


Whether you’re expanding your business to Canada, transferring top talent, or planning your future here, we’re here to guide you with precision, transparency, and care.


Visit us at www.blacksyimmigration.com to learn more or to start your journey.


The articles on this site are general information, not legal advice, and reading them doesn’t create a lawyer-client relationship. Immigration rules change often, so always consult a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer about your specific situation.