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Is it possible to get a leave of absence (LOA) from my master’s program as an international student

indusvalley

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Dec 16, 2018
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Hi,

Is it possible to get a leave of absence (LOA) from my master’s program as an international student in Canada? what is your experience?
 

scylla

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Hi,

Is it possible to get a leave of absence (LOA) from my master’s program as an international student in Canada? what is your experience?
Yes - it's typically possible. As others have said, you will need to speak to your school.

You should note that you will not be able to work in Canada at all during your leave of absence. Also, you won't qualify for a PGWP once you complete your studies.
 

canuck_in_uk

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Also depends on whether you plan on applying for pgwp.
Yes - it's typically possible. As others have said, you will need to speak to your school.

You should note that you will not be able to work in Canada at all during your leave of absence. Also, you won't qualify for a PGWP once you complete your studies.
An authorized leave of absence doesn't affect a PGWP.
 
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canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
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Hi, what do you exactly mean? I took an authorized Leave of absence (medical leave), am I eligible for PGWP?
Was the school involved and do you have to medical documents showing that you were seeking treatment for the whole time and returned as soon as possible. PGWP will likely be possible.
 
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17ha15

Hero Member
Oct 15, 2018
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Was the school involved and do you have to medical documents showing that you were seeking treatment for the whole time and returned as soon as possible. PGWP will likely be possible.
Hi, thank you for your message. I have a soft and hard copy letter from the school of graduate studies that they approve my medical leave from May 1 to August 31 2018 (summer term). Also, I still have the medical report from my doctor where he explains my situation and recommends a medical leave. Any suggestions?

One final question, does having a 4.0 GPA help in getting PGWP?
 

canuck78

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Jun 18, 2017
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Would show/submit records showing what active treatment you are receiving during that time and explaining why the couldn't be done while studying. Some go home to seek treatment so it is important to showy going home was necessary and how medical what occupied your time and this wasn't more of a holiday. Hard to answer not knowing your condition but this general answer is hopefully good enough to tailor to your condition.

4.0 doesn't help although it does prove that you are a dedicated student so if there is a situation where discretion is possible it may help. Definitely won't count against you and you should highlight that you are a great student in your application.
 
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17ha15

Hero Member
Oct 15, 2018
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Would show/submit records showing what active treatment you are receiving during that time and explaining why the couldn't be done while studying. Some go home to seek treatment so it is important to showy going home was necessary and how medical what occupied your time and this wasn't more of a holiday. Hard to answer not knowing your condition but this general answer is hopefully good enough to tailor to your condition.

4.0 doesn't help although it does prove that you are a dedicated student so if there is a situation where discretion is possible it may help. Definitely won't count against you and you should highlight that you are a great student in your application.
Thank you for your encouraging answer! I have 2 other progress medical reports which show the medication I had in my country during my medical leave and the exact treatment I was getting. I had chronic teeth grinding that lead to problems in swallowing and chewing food. I knew I had to get every single detail because I knew back then that its a bad step for my PGWP. One final question, should I submit all documents or wait for them to ask for the reason of leave of absence and after that submit all docs? Thanks!
 

canuck78

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Jun 18, 2017
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Thank you for your encouraging answer! I have 2 other progress medical reports which show the medication I had in my country during my medical leave and the exact treatment I was getting. I had chronic teeth grinding that lead to problems in swallowing and chewing food. I knew I had to get every single detail because I knew back then that its a bad step for my PGWP. One final question, should I submit all documents or wait for them to ask for the reason of leave of absence and after that submit all docs? Thanks!
I would submit as much information because teeth grinding is definitely not an acceptable reason for medical leave you just get a mouth guard. I would go into treatment you needed for swallowing and eating. Should provide proof of any hospitilzations. Proof of testing like swallowing studies plus proof that you are weekly with the speech language pathologist on you issues. In my experience it has only been soft food and then slowly moving backup as your swallowing gets better. Or sticking to a specific diet. Proof of weekly rehab/physio appointments. Also would likely go into why you needed to take time off and this couldn't be done while studying.
 
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17ha15

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Oct 15, 2018
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I would submit as much information because teeth grinding is definitely not an acceptable reason for medical leave you just get a mouth guard. I would go into treatment you needed for swallowing and eating. Should provide proof of any hospitilzations. Proof of testing like swallowing studies plus proof that you are weekly with the speech language pathologist on you issues. In my experience it has only been soft food and then slowly moving backup as your swallowing gets better. Or sticking to a specific diet. Proof of weekly rehab/physio appointments. Also would likely go into why you needed to take time off and this couldn't be done while studying.
Yeah I got your point. So the best option is to supply them with every single detail regarding my medical case. Thanks again! :)
 

17ha15

Hero Member
Oct 15, 2018
219
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I would submit as much information because teeth grinding is definitely not an acceptable reason for medical leave you just get a mouth guard. I would go into treatment you needed for swallowing and eating. Should provide proof of any hospitilzations. Proof of testing like swallowing studies plus proof that you are weekly with the speech language pathologist on you issues. In my experience it has only been soft food and then slowly moving backup as your swallowing gets better. Or sticking to a specific diet. Proof of weekly rehab/physio appointments. Also would likely go into why you needed to take time off and this couldn't be done while studying.
Last question, (apologies if I asked a lot), have you ever witnessed a case similar to mine and ended up successfully? Thanks.
 

napnusion

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Jun 23, 2014
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canuck78

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Jun 18, 2017
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Last question, (apologies if I asked a lot), have you ever witnessed a case similar to mine and ended up successfully? Thanks.
Yes many approvals as long as CIC thinks it is a valid reason for having to stop your studies and considering you have access to medical care in Canada. Sounds like you have TMJ. Would focus on why you couldn't seek outpatient therapy in Canada while studying.
 
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