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Scheduled Breaks for International Students

As a full-time international student, we understand you are working hard to complete your studies and may need to take a break. Throughout the academic year, there are regularly scheduled breaks at vlog, including:

  • Study Week during each term (fall, winter and summer)
  • holiday period (every December)
  • breaks between terms
  • programs that offer an official program break during the summer term

Additionally, some programs may be eligible for a scheduled break for a term following two consecutive terms of full-time study, as long as the semester of study you need to complete next is offered after you return from your break.Your request must be approved by your program area and immigration specialist team.

Requests will not be finalized until after final grades for the term are available.

Please refer to vlog’s Important Academic Dates for more details.

Students on a scheduled break are still “actively pursuing studies”according to.

Unscheduled Breaks/Authorized Leave

There may be an opportunity for you to take a leave from your studies outside of the regularly scheduled breaks noted above such as medical or family emergencies. However, there are additional factors you must consider.

As an international student, you need to limit time away from your studies.

Unscheduled leaves that are too long or unauthorized could affect:

  • your study permit and ability to stay in Canada
  • your eligibility to work in Canada during your leave
  • your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

An authorized leave or a scheduled break cannot exceed 150 days.

How to Request a Break from Your Studies

Tofind out if your program is eligible and to request a scheduled break following two consecutive terms of study, or an authorized leave, please take the following steps:

  1. Talk to your  about your options for taking a break — scheduled or unscheduled. To connect with your adviser, log in to  aԻ . 

  2. Talk to an immigration specialist about how taking a break — scheduled or unscheduled — may affect your student and immigration status. Specialists can be reached attheservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca

  3. Visit the for instructions on how to complete the necessary form to request a scheduled break or authorized leave. Both Student Advising and Immigration need to approve your request. You can submit your request form in .
    • Log in to  .
    • Select the "Academic Records" tile.
    • Select the "Leave of Absence" Request.

Please note:Your request will be reviewed by the necessary departments, and you will receive a decision by email. You can also view the status of your form in . Your request will not be processed until final grades are available for the current term.

Programs that are two or three terms long oraccelerated programsgenerally do not include a scheduled break. You cannot apply for a scheduled break if you have been academically withdrawn or suspended from your program.

Questions?

Connect with .