Enrolment Services

An Authorized Leave is a temporary break from your studies that is formally approved by the Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It allows international students to remain compliant with their study permit conditions while taking a leave of up to a maximum of 150 days from their studies and still be considered to be actively pursuing studies.

Authorized Leave may be granted under specific circumstances, such as:

· Military service

· Pregnancy or parental leave

· Medical illness or injury

· Family emergency (e.g. death or serious illness of a family member)

Please note: Students should keep all documentation regarding their request and approval for a leave from studies for their own records and for future applications with IRCC (e.g. study permit extension, PGWP).

1. To request an Authorized Leave, contact your Academic Student Advisor to learn about how this may impact your program completion and get an academic plan.

2. Book a meeting with an International Student Advisor (ISA). Meet with the ISA to learn about the immigration implications associated with this leave.

3. In the follow-up email you will receive after the meeting with the ISA, you will find the Authorized Leave Request Form. Complete and submit the form as required.

4. Once your submission is reviewed and a decision is made, you will receive an Authorized Leave Approval Letter if your request is approved, or, if it’s not approved, you will be emailed this decision.

5. When preparing your return to your studies, connect with your Academic Student Advisor to complete the return paperwork. After it is processed, reach out to the ISA team for support in your study permit extension, if needed.