Read this blog to learn the best options to postpone Canadian study permit enrollment. In a few circumstances, international students in Canada might need to delay their study program’s starting date to the next semester. It could also be that a Canadian Designated Learning Institution might demand the student to delay their enrollment.
These situations might arise due to multiple reasons, but they will not be restricted to the following:
- Family emergency;
- The need to collect more funds
Essentially, an international student postponing an enrollment must get formal approval from their DLI.
Options to postpone Canadian study permit enrollment
Canadian international students can choose enrollment deferral through the following three alternatives:
Resume their study program within the given time
International students who want to stay in Canada after prolonging their enrollment at a Canadian DLI have two alternatives to choose from.
The first alternative is to start their studies again at the start of the next semester or, if it happens sooner, within 150 days of the confirmation of their deferred enrollment.
Modifying the Canadian status
Pursuing an upgrade of status is the alternative accessible to international students who wish to remain in Canada. This entails changing from being an international student to a worker or guest.
International student shifting to Visitor Status
After delaying enrollment, international students seeking to reside in Canada must apply for a visitor record. Those who ardently require a visitor record must ensure they apply 30 days before the expiration date of the study permit for international students.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that a visitor visa and visitor record aren’t the same. A visitor visa is a crucial document for the purpose of traveling and entering Canada. It is meant for citizens of specific countries and enables them to be admitted into Canada for up to six months.
The recipient’s passport comprises the visa as a verification factor to check if the person fulfills all the entry requirements as a Canadian visitor. Besides, a visitor visa typically consists of a date, though this is not the expiration date of the person’s stay duration in Canada. However, this date is for a visitor visa holder to enter Canada.
What is a Visitor Record?
Contrarily, a visitor record enables Canada’s temporary residents to prolong their stay for as long as possible. It is the Canada Border Services Agency or IRCC that issues these records. Typically, a visitor record permits temporary residents in Canada to visit the country for a longer duration. They could do so as visitors, workers with permission to work without a work permit, or students with the authority to study without a study permit.
Visitor records don’t usually guarantee that the holders can depart and re-admit in Canada. In addition, those traveling outside North America will need to possess a valid entry document to return to Canada. For example, it could be an Electronic Travel Authorization and Visitor Visa.
Applicants of a visitor record who would want to continue to reside in Canada for over six months must confirm with the border services officer about the same. Contrary to the visitor visa, the visitor record consists of an expiry date of the applicant’s duration in Canada. Furthermore, this indicates that the visitor record holder must leave Canada by the expiry date. Also, a visitor record is a separate document, not part of the passport.
International student’s transition toward a worker status
International students can also shift to worker status through an employer-specific or open work permit.
The major distinction between these two types of permits is that the employer-specific work permit restricts the workers to a fixed employer and location. Conversely, an open work permit enables employees to work under any employer in Canada and at any location. However, the employer must fulfill the required criteria to be considered eligible.
Departing from Canada – the third option
International students in Canada who seek to postpone their study enrollment can also choose a simpler way: to leave Canada. This is a common alternative for students who know they won’t return to the country within 150 days. Moreover, this is also suitable for students unaware of when their circumstances would improve. Here, the circumstances must have led to the person’s need to prolong their enrollment.
Our immigration representatives at Make Home Canada have immense knowledge related to Canadian immigration. To clarify your doubts or queries, you may write to us at [email protected]
