what is the maximum time allowed for international students to stay outside of canada

[ana786]

what is the maximum time allowed for international students to stay outside of canada while on study permit? I am planning to go home this January and might stay there for a few months and then come back in September for my fall semester, will I be able to do that?

 

[scylla]

It sounds like you're planning on taking an unscheduled break in your studies. Is that right?

 

[ana786]

It sounds like you're planning on taking an unscheduled break in your studies. Is that right?

Hi yes I need to be home during that time so I'll be missing the winter semester (if I go through with it) but I'm not sure if we're allowed to do that?

 

[scylla]

Hi yes I need to be home during that time so I'll be missing the winter semester (if I go through with it) but I'm not sure if we're allowed to do that?

Your study permit will be canceled. So you'll need to apply for a new study permit once you're ready to return. You should also be aware that if you take unscheduled breaks in your studies your PGWP will most likely be refused.

 

[ana786]

Your study permit will be canceled. So you'll need to apply for a new study permit once you're ready to return. You should also be aware that if you take unscheduled breaks in your studies your PGWP will most likely be refused.

oh wow that doesn't sound too good. I'll have to think of some other way lol but thank you!

 

[Foxrally]

Your study permit will be canceled. So you'll need to apply for a new study permit once you're ready to return. You should also be aware that if you take unscheduled breaks in your studies your PGWP will most likely be refused.

Quick question scylla, what does an 'unscheduled break' mean? If I decide to skip the summer semester, does this count as an unscheduled break?

 

[canuck78]

Quick question scylla, what does an 'unscheduled break' mean? If I decide to skip the summer semester, does this count as an unscheduled break?

Depends on whether your course typically involves a summer semester. If your program doesn't have a summer semester in the program outline/requirements it is not an unscheduled break.

 

[Foxrally]

Depends on whether your course typically involves a summer semester. If your program doesn't have a summer semester in the program outline/requirements it is not an unscheduled break.

Well, there is a summer semester available, but as far as I know it's not required/compulsory (as with the majority of undergrad programs). Thanks for the help canuck!

 

[canuck78]

If you are attending a university yes summer semester are usually not required except in the case of some accelerated programs. The obligatory summer semester usually applies to shorter programs (not 4 years) and mostly in a college setting.