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 Seneca, 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, you can request 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 International Student Services.

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

Students on a scheduled break are still “actively pursuing studies” according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

There may be an opportunity for you to take a leave from your studies outside of the regularly scheduled breaks noted above. 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.

To request a scheduled break following two consecutive terms of study, or an authorized leave, please take the following steps:

1. Talk to your student adviser about your options for taking a break — scheduled or unscheduled. 
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 at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca
3. Visit the Leave of Absence Request: Full-Time Program web page for instructions on how to download, complete and submit the necessary form to request a scheduled break following two consecutive terms of study or an authorized leave. Both your program co-ordinator and International Student Services need to approve your request.

Please note: Accelerated programs generally do not include a scheduled break. You cannot apply for a scheduled break if you have been academically withdrawn, are suspended from your program or if you have changed your program.

If you are unsure about taking a break from studies and how it may affect your status as an international student, consult with an immigration specialist: theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.