Understanding Study Permit Conditions for International Students in Canada

Canada annually welcomes thousands of international students who arrive with study visas and permits, each carrying specific conditions they must adhere to during their studies. While the precise conditions can vary and are typically outlined on the permit issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this article aims to provide a general summary of these conditions.

General Conditions: Study permits can include various conditions, such as work authorization, travel permissions, and permit start and end dates. Common general conditions include:

1. Enrollment at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), with some exceptions.
2. Demonstrating active engagement in studies.
3. Notifying the Canadian government of any post-secondary school changes.
4. Ending studies if no longer meeting student requirements.
5. Departing Canada upon permit expiry.

Specific conditions may depend on factors like the student's level of study, work authorization, medical procedures, travel within Canada, and the study end date.

Work Conditions: Many international students seek part-time work opportunities while studying in Canada. Depending on the conditions of their work permit, students may work on or off-campus without requiring a separate work permit.

• Students can only start working when their studies commence, not before.
• Some international students may temporarily work more than the usual 20 hours per week until December 31, this year (details may vary).

On-Campus Work: To work on campus, students must be full-time, hold a valid study permit, and have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). They must stop on-campus work under specific circumstances, such as when no longer studying full-time, when their permit expires, or during authorized leave.

Off-Campus Work: For off-campus work, students must be full-time at a DLI, enrolled in an eligible program, possess a valid study permit, and hold a SIN. There are also specific conditions under which off-campus work must cease, like changes in the student's situation or program eligibility.

Travel Conditions: While studying in Canada, international students may wish to travel abroad for vacations or to visit their home countries. Students can travel freely outside Canada during their study permit's validity but should be aware of re-entry requirements:

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Attendance at a Canadian DLI.
• Meeting other re-entry requirements specified by Canada.

A study permit alone is not a travel document. Depending on the destination, students may need a visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Possession of these documents does not guarantee re-entry; travelers must satisfy all re-entry requirements.

Exceptions apply for visa holders traveling only to the United States, St-Pierre, or Miquelon while their study permit remains valid.

Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to meet study permit conditions can result in:

• Loss of student status and study permit.
• Request to leave Canada.
• Six-month waiting period to reapply for a new Canadian study permit, visitor visa, or work permit.
• Possible impact on future immigration applications due to non-compliance.

Exemptions: Some study permit holders are exempt from specific conditions. Exempt individuals include:

• Refugees in Canada.
• Spouses or dependent children of Canadian study or work permit holders.
• Students under exchange agreements between Canada and other countries.

It's important to note that even those exempt from certain conditions must still adhere to all other study permit requirements to maintain their status in Canada.

In conclusion, international students in Canada should be well-versed in their study permit conditions, ensuring they comply with these guidelines throughout their academic journey in the country.