Overview
Enrolment status for immigration purposes clarify when international students are in active pursuit of studies, and when you are eligible to work on and off campus or post-graduation.
Importance of enrolment status
Having a study permit comes with certain responsibilities - that is, to actively pursue studies and make reasonable progress towards completing your program.
Your enrolment status impacts whether you can:
- Remain in Canada as a student
- Work in Canada
- Remain eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
Full-time Academic Status
To maintain full-time academic study status, undergraduate students at TWU must take at least 12 credits per required academic term.
For graduate program students at TWU, the full-time academic status varies based on each program's arrangements. You can confirm with your program coordinator/academic advisor to ensure whether your student account status is considered full-time or not, especially if you change courses.
Part-time Academic Status
No minimum number of credits is required to have “part-time” status.
Part-time students are considered actively pursuing studies but cannot work on or off campus. Work refers to work which is authorized by a study permit. Students who also hold work permits may be able to work additional days/hours in addition to work authorized by their study permits.
Part-time studies (except during a final term) also impact eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Scheduled Break
This definition is for immigration purposes to denote students who are not required to be enrolled during program breaks. Students are ‘actively pursuing studies’ while on a scheduled break.
The scheduled break must be part of the TWU's academic calendar (for instance, winter and summer holidays, reading week). The break is a firm and TWU-scheduled break, not a break that a student chooses to take for example. Each regularly scheduled break should not be longer than 150 days.
Authorized leave
There are a few cases where you may be able to take a leave of up to a maximum of 150 days from your program of studies and still be considered to be actively pursuing your studies.
You don’t need to report to IRCC if you’re taking an authorized leave. However, if IRCC ask for it, you must provide proof that your leave is
- authorized by TWU AND
- no longer than 150 days
It counts as authorized leave if
- school has authorized a leave from your study program for
- medical reasons or pregnancy
- family emergency
- death or serious illness of a family member
- any other type of leave your school authorizes
- school has closed permanently or because of a strike
- you’ve changed schools
- you or your school deferred your program start date
- In this case, you must start your studies the next semester, even if it starts sooner than 150 days, and get an updated letter of acceptance.
You cannot work on or off campus during an authorized leave from your study program, even if your study permit says you’re allowed to work in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I work during scheduled breaks?
You must be a full-time student both before and after the break to work full-time. You cannot work during a break that comes before you start your very first school semester.
Can I work during authorized leave?
You cannot work on or off campus during an authorized leave from your study program, even if your study permit says you're allowed to work in Canada.
I did not pass my registered courses. Could you please clarify my current academic standing?
Please contact your program coordinator or academic advisor. You can also check Requirements for Maintaining Eligibility at TWU for your references.
If you still have questions related to immigration, health insurance, and life as an international student in Canada?
- Workshops and Seminars: Our workshops and seminars are conducted regularly to help international students stay informed and empowered. Link to TWU Calendar.
- Service Hub: For personalized assistance in resolving immigration-related questions, please submit your inquiries through Service Hub. Our team is here to provide specific support and help with any concerns you may have. Please note that TWU RCICs or RISIAs can only assist international students, their spouses, common-law partners, and children. We do not submit IRCC applications on behalf of international students.