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Authorized Leave of Absence for International Students

If you are considering an authorized leave of absence, ensure that you fully understand the implications and have taken the necessary steps to obtain approval.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows international students to take an authorized leave from their program of study in certain circumstances while still being considered as actively pursuing their studies. However, it is essential to ensure that any leave taken meets specific requirements to maintain your student status and comply with immigration regulations. 

For further details, consult the details below and review IRCC guidelines to make an informed decision.

Considerations for an Authorized Leave of Absence

Duration: Any leave taken must not exceed 150 consecutive days. If your leave extends beyond this timeframe, you may need to change your immigration status or leave Canada to avoid violating study permit conditions.

Approval: All leaves must be formally authorized by Wilfrid Laurier University. Simply deciding to stop attending classes does not qualify as an authorized leave and may impact your legal status in Canada.

Steps to Request an Authorized Leave

If you believe you need to take a leave of absence, it is crucial to follow these steps to ensure compliance with IRCC regulations:

  1. Consult with Laurier International: Before making any decisions, meet with an international student advisor during drop-in hours at Laurier International. They will provide guidance on how taking a leave may impact your study permit, work eligibility, and future immigration applications.
  2. Meet with Your Academic Advisor: You must also consult your academic advisor to discuss the academic implications of your leave, including how it may affect your course progression, graduation timeline, and program requirements.
  3. Review the IRCC Guidelines: It is your responsibility to ensure that you are complying with immigration regulations. Visit IRCC’s official website for the most up-to-date information on authorized leaves and student status requirements.
  4. Complete the Required Forms: Once you have spoken with the necessary advisors and confirmed that taking a leave is the best course of action, you must complete and submit the appropriate form for your level of study:

You are responsible for keeping all documentation regarding your request and approval for a leave of absence for your own records.

Acceptable Reasons for Authorized Leave

Authorized leaves are only granted under specific circumstances. Examples of valid reasons include:

  • medical reasons
  • pregnancy
  • family emergency
  • death or serious illness of a family member
  • program deferral
  • other exceptional circumstances: additional reasons may be considered if authorized by the university

Work Restrictions During an Authorized Leave of Absence

While on an authorized leave of absence, international students are not permitted to work on- or off-campus, even if their study permit states they are eligible to work in Canada.