Frequently Asked Questions

• CNC: College of New Caledonia
• DLI: Designated Learning Institution
• GPA: Grade Point Average
• IRCC: Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada
• MSP: Medical Services Plan
• PGWP: Post-Graduation Work Permit
• SIN: Social Insurance Number

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decides which programs are PGWP-eligible based on fields of study. This is related to demand in the Canadian labour market. These may be updated.

You can check CNC programs that are currently eligible for a post-graduation work permit here: https://cnc.bc.ca/international-students/courses.

Applications usually open in October for the following year’s September intake. There are a limited number of seats for international students in each of CNC’s programs. Applications will close when capacity is reached.

Each program at CNC has its own academic entry requirements. You can find this information on the program webpage: https://cnc.bc.ca/programs-courses. You can learn more about English language proficiency requirements and international course equivalents on the Admissions webpage: https://cnc.bc.ca/admissions/transfer/international-equivalencies. 

Please follow the instructions in your offer letter for next steps. You will need to submit your deposit to CNC and apply for a study permit through IRCC.

Do not book your travel to Canada until you have received your study permit approval and confirmation of your seat from CNC. After everything is finalized, plan to arrive in Prince George around one week before new student orientation so that you can rest and settle into your new home and community. Please do not come too early, or after classes start. Send your travel details to International Education at least two weeks before you arrive.

Once you arrive at the Canadian border (usually the Vancouver or Toronto airport customs and immigration area), report that you are a student to a Canada Border Services Agent or immigration official. They will review your case and print your study permit. Please check your study permit for errors, including the spelling of your name, your date of birth, your college, and the study permit conditions. When you arrive at CNC, you will need to bring your study permit to the Office of the Registrar (Room 1-739) for scanning to add to your file.

Our refund policy concerning the tuition deposit is as follows:

• Application fees are not refundable.
• International applicants are eligible for a tuition deposit refund only if they get a study permit refusal. Applicants with a study permit refusal from IRCC will receive a full refund of the tuition deposit, minus a $300 administration fee. Contact the International Education office at CNC for a refund if your study permit application is refused: intl_edu@cnc.bc.ca. Proper documentation must be provided with a refund request.
• If you complete your first semester of studies at CNC, and then choose to leave the college, you may be eligible for a tuition deposit refund for the full amount remaining.
• If you choose to leave the college before completing your first semester of studies, you may be eligible for a tuition deposit refund of 60% minus the $250 administrative fee.
• Money received by CNC is not transferrable to any other post-secondary institution.

Please note: Students who arrive in Canada with a study permit for a CNC program, but who do not attend classes, will be reported to IRCC as a “no show” student.

Most CNC students choose to rent accommodation in Prince George. CNC offers (i.e. dormitory) near the Main Building. Spaces are in high demand, so make sure to apply early.

If you choose to live off campus, it is important to be aware of your rights as a tenant and also how to spot a rental scam. CNC’s includes resources to help you choose a safe and comfortable home during your time as a student in Prince George.

Most students arrive in Prince George by airplane. Prince George is a 1.5-hour flight from Vancouver. Please note that the Prince George airport is located outside the city centre and there are no public transportation options. Learn more about how to travel from the Prince George airport to the city centre. There are also options to come by intercity bus or car rental. Prince George is a 9-hour drive by car, or a 12-hour bus journey.

The College of New Caledonia is on multiple bus routes with stops on campus. You will get a bus pass through the CNC Students’ Union each semester you are registered in courses. You can check bus schedules on the BC Transit website, through the Transit app, or through the UMO app.

All international students are required by law to have medical insurance while studying in British Columbia. This is called your coverage and is provided to assist you in the case of an emergency or other urgent care needs. Medical services and visits to clinics and hospital costs are very expensive. Without coverage, you would need to pay for these expenses yourself.

When you arrive in Canada, you should apply for the Medical Services Plan of BC (MSP). It takes 90 days for this plan to become active, so you will automatically be enrolled in a 3-month bridging program (ALUMO) when you begin your studies at CNC.

You will be automatically enrolled in the CNC Students’ Union Extended Health and Dental Plan in your first semester of studies. This coverage will be renewed each year. This plan covers some or all of the cost for additional health and wellness needs such as dentist visits, eyeglasses, prescription medication, mental health counselling, physiotherapy, and chiropractic services. If you have equivalent extended health coverage provided by your job, your spouse, or a supporting organization, you may opt-out of the Students’ Union plan at the beginning of your first semester. You can learn more about the plan.

CNC offers many support services to help students succeed: https://cnc.bc.ca/docs/default-source/student-services/cnc-studentguide.pdf.

Academic advising can help you understand program requirements, course planning, transfer credits, grade point average (GPA), and other academic matters. The international advisor can also help you understand your study permit conditions and eligibility requirements for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

Accessibility Services support students with diverse learning needs, including those with a medical condition or disability. You should book your intake appointment at the beginning of your studies so that you are prepared for your course requirements.

Wellness Services offer many events throughout the year as well as mental health counselling. It is important to be proactive with your mental health, especially during winter months, so that you can thrive in your studies at CNC.

Financial Aid and Awards can give you information about funding your studies. There are many scholarships and bursaries available every year, ranging from $100 to $2000. You can apply online if you are eligible.

Your study program must meet the current eligibility criteria to apply for your spouse’s open work permit. The criteria include graduate degree programs (masters or PhD) and certain professional degree programs (bachelor or doctor) at a university. You can learn more about spousal open work permit eligibility criteria on the IRCC website.

If your spouse does not meet the eligibility requirements for an open work permit, and they wish to come to Canada, please get advice from a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

You may need to apply for a permit for your child before coming to Canada. This tool from IRCC will help you determine what you need: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/come-canada-tool.html.

Prince George has excellent public schools in School District 57 as well as several private schools. In British Columbia, there are no tuition fees to attend public schools for kindergarten to grade 12. Most schools in Prince George are neighbourhood schools, so you can enroll your child in the school in your neighbourhood (catchment area). There are also “choice schools” including French immersion, Francophone, arts, and indigenous programs. You will need to contact your school directly, and they will provide you information about the enrolment process.

Daycare spaces are limited in Prince George and there may be waitlists, especially for very young children. You may be eligible for subsidies or funding to help cover the cost of daycare for your children under the age of 12: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/childcarebc-programs.

Yes, your friend or family member can apply to come to Canada to visit you. They must apply for the visa or permit that matches their situation. This tool from IRCC will help you determine what they need: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/come-canada-tool.html.

You may provide supporting documents for your friend or family member’s application. Please visit the Student Services office (Room 1-753) for additional information or view our Inviting Friends and Family document. 

CNC Recreation Services offer both scheduled and unscheduled sports and fitness activities throughout the semester. You will need to purchase an access card from the CNC Bookstore to use fitness facilities and sports equipment; you can use the same access card for the entire length of your studies. Recreation Services may offer activities such as intramural and drop-in sports, recreational sports tournaments, fitness and yoga classes, and specialized classes (ex. women’s self-defence, running clinic, Bhangra dance) throughout the semester. You will also have access to the weight room with free weights, machines, and equipment for your exercise and fitness needs. Additionally, the CNC Students’ Union provides free access to Prince George swimming facilities off campus.

During the year, the College, in collaboration with CNC Students' Union, organizes activities to celebrate the diverse cultures on our campuses, including Diwali, International Education Week, and much more. Further information on upcoming campus events can be found here. The Students’ Union also organizes fun events such as karaoke nights, movie nights, and fashion shows.

CNC Students’ Union clubs are based on student interests such as the Video Game Club, Women’s Club, and Volleyball Club. You can start a new club based on your own interests while you are a student at CNC.

Fee payments are due approximately 3 weeks before the semester begins. Your deposit will usually cover fees for the first semester of your program. You can check fees paid and balance owing in the Student Finance tab on CNC Connect or by contacting the Office of the Registrar (Room 1-739 | 250-561-5800 | regoffice@cnc.bc.ca). If you do not pay your full fee amount by the deadline, you will be de-registered from all courses in that semester. You can see all important dates and deadlines on the CNC Events page or in your MyCNC app.

Some students may be eligible for a payment plan. Please check your Pay My Tuition account in the Student Finance tab on CNC Connect or contact International Education at intl_edu@cnc.bc.ca. 

Yes! CNC offers many scholarships and bursaries every year. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and bursaries are awarded based on financial need. Some awards have specific criteria (ex. gender identity or program area), while others are open to all CNC students. You can apply online through the CNC website and/or get help with your application from the Financial Aid and Awards team.

You may be eligible for an award from outside CNC. You can check CNC’s external awards page to get started.

You are coming to CNC as a full-time student, and you must be prepared to focus on your studies. If you are not successful in your studies, this may affect your eligibility to work.

Many international students are granted the right to work on and off campus during their studies. If you have this condition written on your study permit from IRCC, then you may work part time (24 hours per week) off campus and unlimited hours on campus without a work permit. You may not begin working until you begin studying and you have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Most students are required to study full time to be eligible to work during their studies. In most programs at CNC, winter break (late December to early January), reading week (third week of February), and Intersession (May – August) are considered regularly scheduled breaks. International students may be eligible to work full time during scheduled breaks for a maximum of 180 days in a calendar year. IRCC provides information about working as an international student on their website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work.html.

CNC student can find information about career planning, resume writing, and job searching on the CNC Student Career Services webpage. This webpage also has access to the CNC Job Board.

CNC librarians in the Learning Commons can help you find and use free, reliable online resume-building tools. Connect with them by visiting the Learning Commons, emailing reference@cnc.bc.ca, or using the Ask Away link on the library webpage. You'll also find helpful course and study guides available online.

You may also speak with a CNC Student Success Advisor about your career goals to learn about other resources.

Every year, in February, CNC hosts a career fair called NorthWorks where students can meet employers from many different sectors. Other job fairs take place in Prince George throughout the year. You can check on campus job postings on the CNC website.

The start of the academic year is in September.

• Fall semester: September – December
• Spring semester: January – April
• Intersession semester: May – July

There are usually no academic courses scheduled in the month of August.

Most programs at CNC have 3 scheduled breaks each year: winter break (approximately 3 weeks in Dec/Jan between Fall and Spring semesters), reading break (the third week in February), and Intersession (4 months from May to August).

If Intersession is a scheduled break in your program, you are not required to take courses. You may take a break, study part time, or study full time, based on your preferences or program completion needs. If you are unsure if you should take courses in Intersession, please speak with an advisor. 

CNC celebrates our graduating students with a convocation event each year in June. All students who have graduated in the previous year will be invited to register by CNC’s Graduation Services. At the convocation ceremony, you will receive your official diploma from CNC. If you cannot attend your convocation ceremony, you can request that your official diploma is sent to your address.

You will be pre-registered by the Office of the Registrar in full-time studies for your first semester at CNC. It is your responsibility to register in courses for future semesters.

You can see your program requirements in CNC Connect > Student Planning > View Your Progress. On this screen, you can check which courses you have already completed, and which courses you have remaining to complete. You may need to take courses in a specific sequence (ex. if there are pre-requisites) or on a specific timeline (ex. if the course is not offered every semester), so it is important to plan ahead.

Fall (September – December) and Spring (January – April) course schedules are usually available in May. You can register in courses for both semesters at the same time. Intersession (May – July) is the scheduled break semester for most programs at CNC. If you choose to study in Intersession, you can check if there are courses available for you to take when the course schedules are available in February.

This YouTube video tutorial playlist shows how to plan and register in courses.

A pre-requisite is a course that must be completed before you take another course. Some courses have more than one pre-requisite. Normally, you require a grade of C or above in a pre-requisite; some courses may require a higher grade. Pre-requisites ensure that you have the skills and background to succeed in advanced courses. This is why you must have a C or above.

You may click the blue “waitlist” button below the course title on your Course Schedule page in Student Planning. Please note: for courses with a lecture + lab combination, you will waitlist in the lecture section only.

When you are on the waitlist, there is no timeline on when you will get a seat, and there is no guarantee that a seat will be offered. After joining the waitlist, you can:

• Check your email (including junk emails) frequently. If a seat is offered, you will be notified by the Registrar's office, and you will have around 36 hours to accept the seat. If you do not accept the seat on time, it will be offered to the next student on the list. If a seat is offered after the fee payment deadline, you may have to pay the fees immediately.
• Check for new sections. Sometimes the college will open new sections, which you can check by logging in to CNC Connect> Plan your Degree and Register for Classes > Schedule > [semester name] > Click on "View other sections" below the course that you are waitlisted for.

Waitlists will end on the first day of the semester. It is still possible to add or drop courses until the end of the second week of the semester, but you will not receive a notification of available seats and there is no more waitlist ranking. You can continue to check CNC Connect for an available seat in the course you want. If the seat is available, you may register in the course.

You can add or drop courses until the end of the second week of the semester. The Office of the Registrar publishes these dates in the important dates and deadlines, on your MyCNC app, and on the whiteboard outside their office (Room 1-739) every semester.

If you are changing from one course to another course after the fee payment deadline, you should “switch” courses to avoid a financial penalty. Learn more about "switching" courses.

A full time course load in most programs at CNC is 9 credits (usually equivalent to 3 courses) or more per semester. If you take 5 courses per semester, it is possible to complete most diploma programs within 2 years. In some cases, you may need more than 2 years to complete your program.

In person and online courses count toward enrolment status. Courses that you take from an institution outside of CNC do not count toward your enrolment status at CNC.

As an international student, it is usually important to study full time during the first semester and major semesters of your program (Fall and Spring for most programs), because this may impact your authorization to work off campus and/or your PGWP eligibility. If you need more specific information, you may speak with an advisor.

CNC offers courses through a variety of delivery methods, including in person, scheduled online, unscheduled online, and hyflex.

In person: you will attend scheduled classes each week on campus at CNC.

Hyflex: you will have the option to attend scheduled classes on campus at CNC or online each week. Note that some Hyflex courses have the in person class at the Quesnel campus, so if you are living in Prince George, you would have to attend these online or travel to Quesnel for each class.

Scheduled online: you will complete your coursework through an online platform called Moodle and attend scheduled classes online with your instructor each week.

Unscheduled online: you will complete your coursework through an online platform called Moodle and you will not have scheduled time with your instructor each week. Your instructor may upload pre-recorded lectures, recordings, or readings instead.

If you plan to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after completing your program at CNC, you should take the majority of your courses in person. You can learn more about eligibility to apply for a post-graduation work permit here.

CNC has transfer credit agreements with many British Columbia institutions, as well as some Canadian and international institutions. You can check current transfer credit agreements on www.bctransferguide.ca. If your course(s) is not listed there, you may apply for domestic or international transfer credit by following the policy and procedures. In most cases, you will need to provide your official transcript and an official course syllabus or course outline to begin the transfer credit assessment process for a new course.

There are many reasons why you may struggle in your studies. It is important to ask for help early before your problems become serious. Adjusting to a new style of lecture, assignments, and exams can be difficult. You may speak with your instructor or visit your instructor during office hours for help with a specific class. CNC’s Learning Commons and Academic Success Centre offer many resources to support students with writing skills, research skills, and more.

If you have a disability, physical health condition, or mental health condition that creates a barrier to learning or academic success, you can meet with CNC’s Accessibility Services. The Accessibility Advisor will listen to you and help you understand your rights and your options as a student in British Columbia. You can learn more or book an appointment. 

In general, we recommend that you stay in your original program at CNC. International students may not change their program in the first semester of study at CNC. There are few seats available for international students who want to change programs after beginning their studies.

You can check program requirements for different programs using the “View a New Program” tool in CNC Connect > Student Planning > Progress View. If you want to discuss changing your program, please speak with a Student Success Advisor.

If you have been accused of academic misconduct, this may impact your grades or your future studies. You can learn more about CNC’s academic conduct policy and procedures, including appeals. CNC Students’ Union can help you speak with your instructor or the dean when you have a problem. Learn more here.

CNC’s Learning Commons and Academic Success Centre offer many resources to help you understand what plagiarism is. For example, their self-directed plagiarism guide and interactive AskAway service can help you learn stronger academic skills. It is very important to follow your instructor and/or department’s rules about AI use. If you aren’t sure what the rules are, you can ask your instructor during class or in office hours. 

You have both rights and responsibilities as a CNC student. You need to respect your instructors and the rules of the college, and you should also receive respect from classmates, instructors, and college staff. You can learn more about CNC’s policy and procedures here:

• Academic Conduct
• Student (Non-academic) Conduct
• Student Complaint Resolution
• Respectful Workplace

If you choose to make a complaint about an instructor or a CNC staff member, this will not affect your grades or your immigration status. If you break the law or CNC rules, this may affect your academic or immigration status. CNC Students’ Union can help you speak with your instructor or the dean when you have a problem. Learn more here.

GPA is an acronym for Grade Point Average. At CNC, students will receive a percentage grade out of 100 and a letter grade on the scale from A to F. You will earn grade points based on your letter grades. GPA is an average of the grade points you earn for all the courses that you take at CNC. The CNC standard for good academic standing is 2.00 GPA, which is a C grade average. You can learn more about GPA and how it is calculated.

CNC’s Academic Standing system exists to help students understand if they are on track with their program requirements. The CNC standard for good academic standing is 2.00 GPA, which is a C grade average. You can learn more about GPA and how it is calculated.

If your GPA drops below this value, you may be placed on Academic Alert or Academic Probation. These statuses are a warning that you are no longer in good academic standing, and you may not qualify to graduate without improving your GPA. When you are on Academic Alert or Academic Probation status, you can continue to register in courses and access all CNC services. We recommend that you speak with an academic advisor to understand your status and to discuss strategies to improve your GPA.

If your GPA continues to drop after being on Academic Probation status, you may be Required to Withdraw (RTW) from CNC. This means that you cannot study at CNC for at least one major semester (Fall or Spring) and you may be given a date to re-apply to return to studies at CNC. Learn more about RTW status and your options.

You can apply to graduate through the Graduation Overview tab in CNC Connect when you are in your final semester of studies. After you apply to graduate, the Office of the Registrar will review your account and confirm that you meet the graduation requirements for your program. When you qualify, you will receive an invitation to register for convocation (annual event in June). You can learn more about graduation and convocation.

Applications usually open in October for the next year’s September intake (ex. apply October 2027 for the Fall 2028 intake). Applications open at the same time for the following academic year’s January intake (ex. apply October 2027 for the Spring 2029 intake).

 If you are applying to a program with limited seats, you should apply as early as possible. Applications will close when capacity is reached. You may contact the International Admissions team if you have questions about your new program at intladmit@cnc.bc.ca. 

You can begin the process by researching bachelor’s degree programs and contacting the institution where you would like to study. You may use helpful resources such as CNC’s transfer webpage, Education Planner BC, and BC Transfer Guide in your search. After applying and being accepted to study at a new institution, you will need to apply for a study permit with your new Letter of Acceptance. If you have questions about the transfer process or a gap between programs, please speak with an advisor.

CNC’s DLI number is O19360977332.

The CNC Admissions team will provide you with the documents you need for your study permit application. You are responsible to prepare and submit your study permit application. If you get a refusal, please let our Admissions team know as soon as possible.

We recommend applying to extend your study permit 3 months before it expires. If you are graduating soon or submitting an application with multiple family members, you may need to apply earlier. To keep your status as a student, you must submit your application before your study permit expires. You can check current study permit extension processing time on the IRCC website.

Please check your new study permit for errors, including the spelling of your name, your date of birth, your college, and the study permit conditions. Then, bring your study permit to the Office of the Registrar (Room 1-739) for scanning to add to your file.

Your SIN will have the same expiry date as your original study permit. If you had a condition on your original study permit that allowed you to work while studying and you applied for a study permit extension before your original study permit expired, then you may continue working with an expired SIN: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/receiving-updating.html. When you get your new study permit, you can bring this to Service Canada to extend your SIN.

Your BC MSP will also expire at the same time as your original study permit. You should give a copy of your new study permit to BC MSP to extend your coverage. 

You are not permitted to attend classes, take exams, or work with an expired study permit. If it has been less than 90 days since your study permit expired, you may be eligible to apply to restore your status as a student and to apply for a study permit extension. If it has been more than 90 days since your study permit expired, you must leave Canada and you may apply for a new study permit from another country. Please as soon as possible for support with your application.

You are responsible to be aware of and to meet the eligibility requirements to apply for a post-graduation work permit. In general, you will need to meet the following criteria, in addition to criteria that apply to your specific situation:

• Complete your program of study
• Meet field of study requirements
• Study full time during the first semester and all major semesters of your program of study
• Prove you meet Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 (CLB 5) in English or French
• Complete the majority of your program of study in person in Canada

If you applied for your study permit before November 1, 2024, and you did not change your program to one that is ineligible for PGWP after that date, then you do not need to meet the field of study requirement: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/field-of-study.html.

Intersession is considered the regularly scheduled break in most programs at CNC, and it is not required to study full time during a scheduled break. Every year, CNC publishes an official document called the Course Calendar. In the Registration Information section at the back, the Major Semesters subsection explains this: https://cnc.bc.ca/admissions/calendar. The Office of the Registrar publishes dates of scheduled breaks for each semester.

IRCC has a helpful chart where you can check how language test scores compare to the Canadian Language Benchmark Level 5 (CLB 5): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/language-results.html. You are responsible to book your language test; CNC staff cannot book the language test for you.

You will need to prepare and organize your documents:

Step 1: Check your passport expiry date.

Step 2: Apply to graduate

Step 3: Order CNC graduation documents

Step 4: Create or log in to your IRCC Secure Account

Step 5: Upload required documents to your Documents Checklist and submit

IRCC cannot give you a work permit that has a longer validity than your passport. You will need to provide a copy of the identification page as well as every page with any mark, stamp, sticker, or writing on it.

You cannot apply for a PGWP until after CNC has confirmed your graduation in writing: https://cnc.bc.ca/international-students/graduation. You are not required to attend CNC Convocation to be considered a graduate.

You need to order an Enrolment Verification (Completion of Studies Letter) and an Official Transcript through CNC Connect. It may take up to 6 weeks after all final grades are posted before you receive your graduation documents. Please see question 2 in the General Questions section above: “I need a document from CNC to include in my immigration application. How can I request the document I need?”

If you already have an IRCC Secure Account from a previous immigration application, you can log in to that. If you do not have access to your account, you can create a new one: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html.

Once you are ready, you can upload your required and optional documents to the Documents Checklist in your account:

• Proof of identity (ex. copy of passport)
• Proof of graduation (ex. Completion of Studies Letter)
• Proof of eligibility (ex. Official Transcript, language test result)
  • Note: You must upload your language test result in the Optional Documents section of the PGWP application.

You can learn more about applying for a PGWP by attending an information session or speaking with an international advisor. 

As an international student in Canada, you should follow the conditions of your study permit, which includes enrolment at your designated learning institution (DLI): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/while-you-study/study-permit-conditions.html. In some special cases, you might be eligible to apply for an authorized leave from studies. An authorized leave from studies must be approved by CNC and must not be more than 150 days.

At CNC, we have two processes that qualify as an authorized leave from studies according to IRCC regulations:

1. Withdrawal due to extenuating circumstances.

   If an unexpected, uncontrollable, and/or unforeseen circumstance happened (ex. you become very ill or your close family member dies), and you are not able to complete the semester, you may apply for a withdrawal due to extenuating circumstances.

2. International Authorized Leave of Absence.

You must apply for an authorized leave of absence before the semester begins. The procedures list eligible reasons including a serious illness, the death of a close family member, pregnancy, and compulsory military service.

You should speak with an international advisor before you apply for an authorized leave to understand how it will impact your studies and your immigration status or application.

If you choose not to study during a major semester (Fall and Spring for most programs at CNC), you will be taking an unauthorized leave from studies. You cannot work if you are taking a leave from studies during a major semester: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html. In most cases, your study permit will become invalid if you take an unauthorized leave from studies.

Please note: Intersession semester (May-July) is the regularly scheduled break semester for most programs at CNC. Most students can take a break, study part time, or study full time during Intersession semester and still follow their study permit conditions.

You should speak with an international advisor before you take a leave from studies to understand how it will impact your studies and your immigration status or application.

You are not required to inform CNC that you are travelling outside Canada. However, you should check your travel documents and permit carefully before your travel.

u are registered in courses, please speak with your instructor(s) as early as possible. You should discuss assignment and exam dates to make sure you can complete all course requirements. Instructors are not required to make accommodations for your personal travel plans.

If you are taking a long trip, it is best to plan it during the scheduled break semester for your program. For most programs at CNC, this is Intersession semester (May – August).

In some cases, you may need to travel in Fall or Spring semester. You may qualify for an International Authorized Leave of Absence if your reason for traveling outside Canada meets the criteria in the policy. If you are travelling for personal reasons that do not meet the authorized leave criteria, then you will be taking an unauthorized leave from studies. In most cases, your study permit will become invalid if you take an unauthorized leave from studies: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/while-you-study/study-permit-conditions.html.  

If you need more time to complete your studies, and you are applying for a study permit extension, your spouse may be eligible to extend their open work permit. You can check their eligibility to extend here.

If you are graduating, and you are applying for a PGWP, you must meet different eligibility requirements for your spouse to qualify for an open work permit. Most work permit holders must work in an eligible job.

In most cases, your spouse should apply to extend their open work permit before the current permit expires. If your spouse no longer meets the eligibility requirements for an open work permit, and they wish to stay in Canada, please get advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) on how to maintain status.

You can learn more about pathways to permanent residence in Canada on the IRCC website.

If you would like advice about how study programs and careers relate to permanent residence, please speak with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or an immigration lawyer.