Canada Study Permit Rules You Must Know

Sep 30, 2025 / 2 min readIshita Soni

What Changed and Why It Matters

  • Immediate invalidity for non-enrolment: Now, once you’re no longer enrolled at your DLI, your study permit is invalid immediately—not 90 days later.
  • Restoration rules still apply: To restore your status as a student, you must apply within 90 days and meet the initial requirements, which usually means being a bona fide student. If you’re not enrolled, you likely cannot meet this requirement.

Regulation Snapshot

  • R182(1) requirements for restoration:
    1. Apply within 90 days.
    2. Meet initial requirements (e.g., genuine student status).
    3. Comply with other permit conditions.
  • Important clarification: Some work-permit restoration policies may allow flexibility beyond 90 days, but these do not apply to students. Always follow the student-specific restoration rules.

Practical Scenarios

  1. Withdrawing or dropping all courses mid-term
    • Effect: The Study permit becomes invalid immediately. Stop work or study right away.
    • Restoration: Usually not possible as you no longer meet enrolment requirements. Consider other options, such as restoring to visitor status.
  2. Switching DLIs without updating IRCC
    • Risk: Your permit lists a specific DLI. If you stop being enrolled and fail to update your status, you may make your permit invalid
    • Tip: Update IRCC before changing your school to maintain a valid status.
  3. Approved leave vs. not enrolled
    • Some schools keep you enrolled during approved leave; others don’t.
    • Action: Always confirm enrolment in writing every term, because your legal status depends on it.

Action Checklist (Every Term)

  • Firstly, verify your enrollment with your DLI and keep proof.
  • Pay your fees before the deadline closes.
  • Update IRCC before changing DLI or study conditions.
  • If you lose your enrollment, immediately stop working or studying and get advice on restoring your status or switching to another option.

Key Takeaways

  • Under IRPR 222(1)(a.1), losing your enrollment immediately invalidates your study permit, unless you have already completed your program.
  • To restore your status as a student, you must apply within 90 days and satisfy the initial study requirements.
  • Public-policy exceptions: Mainly for work-permit restorations; do not assume they apply to students.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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