As an undergraduate student, the number of course units (credits) you take determines whether you’re a full- or part-time student for immigration purposes. At the University of Ottawa, you’re considered full time if you’re enrolled in 12 units or more during a term. 

Studying full time allows you to:

• Maintain your student status and remain in Canada, provided your study permit is valid
• Work on and off campus during the term, if you meet eligibility requirements
• Work full-time off-campus during  IRCC-recognized scheduled breaks if you’re eligible and enrolled as a full-time student immediately before and after the break
• Maintain eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after your studies

Note: Examples of scheduled breaks at uOttawa include summer break, winter break and reading weeks. However, scheduled breaks can vary by program. Always check the course sequence for your program to confirm which scheduled breaks apply to you.

If you’re enrolled in fewer than 12 units during a term, you’re considered part time for immigration purposes.

As a part-time student, you stillmeet the IRCC criteria to be actively pursuing studies. This means you can remain in Canada as long as your study permit is valid. However, studying part time can affect your immigration status in several ways:

As a graduate student, your immigration status isn’t affected by the number of units or courses you take. As long as you’ve been admitted to a graduate diploma or graduate program as a full-time student, you’re considered full-time for immigration purposes. 

Undergraduate students

Depending on the timing of the withdrawal notice and your CGPA, you may be eligible to make changes to your program before the withdrawal takes effect. We recommend that you contact your faculty to explore this option. You can also choose to enrol in courses for academic upgrading as a non-degree student.

If you make changes to your program:

• If the new program is considered to be at the same level of study (for example, another undergraduate program) as your current one, you don’t have to inform IRCC of the program change.
• You may need to extend your study permit if it will otherwise expire before you complete the new program.

If you enrol in courses for academic upgrading as a non-degree student:

• You’ll no longer be authorized to work off campus under your study permit.
  • To work off campus, you must be enrolled in a program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
  • You can still work on campus as a full-time non-degree student. 

Graduate students

Graduate students are not eligible to make program changes before withdrawal from a program of study. The withdrawal takes effect immediately. For more information on academic standing and readmission, contact your academic unit.

Next steps for all students

International students can remain on a study permit as non-degree students. However, the implications of your withdrawal can vary. We strongly recommend emailing the Student Immigration Advising Team at [email protected] for personalized guidance.

Email the Student Immigration Advising Team at [email protected] to discuss your situation.

Your study permit becomes invalid immediately if you stop studying before completing your program. If you aren’t transitioning to another program in Canada, you should either leave Canada or apply to change your status by requesting an extension as a visitor.

You will also need to contact your faculty (undergraduate students) or contact your academic unit (graduate students) regarding its policies on taking a leave from studies.

Taking a leave from studies can affect your immigration status. Here are the key points to consider:

• If your leave from studies is shorter than 150 days, or if you leave Canada during this time, no action is required on your part regarding your immigration status. Your study permit remains valid until its expiry date.
• If your leave will exceed 150 days and you wish to stay in Canada, you must apply to change your status through either a  visitor record or work permit (if eligible).
• You’ll no longer be authorized to work on or off campus during a leave from studies or during a scheduled break following a leave from studies (for example, if the spring-summer term is normally a scheduled break in your program and you take a leave of absence during the winter term, you won’t be authorized to work during the spring-summer term).
• A leave from studies can affect your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). One of the PGWP eligibility requirements is to have continuously studied full time throughout your entire program. To support a future PGWP application, we recommend that you:
  • Keep detailed records of your leave, including approval documents and any relevant communication with your faculty or academic unit.
  • Be prepared to explain and justify your leave when applying for the PGWP.
• If you take a leave from studies, the University may report your academic status to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as either “no longer enrolled” or on “authorized leave,” depending on your situation. You may receive an email from IRCC requesting clarification or documentation about your leave.

We strongly recommend that you keep copies of all supporting documents related to your leave, including approval letters and communications with your faculty or academic unit.

Note: Learn about UHIP health insurance coverage during a break from studies. For more information about health insurance coverage and deadlines to make changes, email [email protected]. 

The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs). While we aim to keep it accurate, it could change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.