Validity and Expiry of Study Permits: Understanding the Rules and Exceptions

For international students in Canada, understanding when a study permit becomes invalid is essential. Many students—and their families—get confused between the 90-day period after completing studies and the 150-day allowance for authorized leave.

These two timelines serve different purposes, and knowing how they operate can help you maintain legal status and plan your next steps.

When Does a Study Permit Become Invalid?

Under section 222(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), a study permit becomes invalid on the earliest of the following events: 90 days after completing your studies, the day you are no longer enrolled at your designated learning institution (unless this is because you completed your program), the day your permit is

cancelled under certain provisions, or the expiry date printed on your permit.

While this framework is straightforward, how it applies in practice depends on whether you are still enrolled, have completed your program, or fall into a special category of students.

The 90-Day Period After Completing Your Studies

Once your institution confirms that you have finished your program—through a completion letter, transcript, or degree certificate—a 90-day period begins. At the end of this period, your study permit automatically becomes invalid, even if the expiry date on the permit is later.

This 90-day window is meant to give you time to take your next steps, whether that is applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, changing your status to a worker or visitor, or preparing to leave Canada. During this time, you are no longer considered a student and cannot continue studying under your existing permit.

The Legal Exception to the 90-Day Rule

Section 222(2) of the IRPR provides an important exception. The 90-day invalidity rule does not apply to certain individuals, including those who are authorized to study in Canada without a study permit and certain family members of foreign nationals.

In practical terms, this means that for these individuals, the automatic 90-day countdown does not operate in the same way. For example, a dependent child on a study permit whose parent is in Canada as an international student or temporary foreign worker may remain in Canada up to the validity of their own study permit, even after completing a grade level or program and regardless of whether they are attending school. While the child’s permit is typically issued because of the parent’s status, the child’s ability to remain in Canada is governed by their own permit. If the permit expires or is cancelled, the child is no longer authorized to stay, even if the parent maintains valid status.

Similarly, individuals authorized to study without a permit—such as minors in Canada on visitor status or certain protected persons—are not subject to the 90-day invalidity period. For them, legal status in Canada governs both the right to study and the ability to remain in the country, rather than the study permit or program completion date.

The 150-Day Authorized Leave

Separate from the 90-day rule is the concept of authorized leave. Students may remain in Canada without attending school for up to 150 days in certain circumstances, such as medical issues, family emergencies, or disruptions at the school. This leave must be authorized by the designated learning institution.

The 150-day period applies before completing your program, allowing temporary flexibility while you are still enrolled. It does not extend the validity of your study permit once you have finished your program. If you stop attending classes without authorization, your permit may become invalid immediately under section 222(1)(a.1).

How the 90-Day and 150-Day Rules Differ

The 150-day authorized leave and the 90-day post-completion period are often confused because both involve staying in Canada without actively studying. The key difference is timing and purpose.

The 150-day leave applies during your program to accommodate temporary interruptions. The 90-day period begins after program completion and marks the end of your student status under that permit. One cannot substitute for the other. A student cannot rely on an authorized leave to remain in Canada after completing their program, just as the 90-day period does not excuse missing classes before completion.

The Role of Your Permit’s Expiry Date

Regardless of these rules, your study permit will still become invalid on its printed expiry date unless you apply to extend or change your status before it expires. Planning ahead is essential. Delaying action can limit your options and affect your ability to remain in Canada legally.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the distinctions between the 90-day post-completion period, the 150-day authorized leave, and the statutory exceptions for dependents is critical for international students and their families. While the system allows flexibility during studies, it becomes much stricter once your program is complete.

For dependent children, the law allows them to remain in Canada up to the validity of their own permit, even if they are not attending school, although their permit is often issued because of the parent’s status. Knowing these rules ensures that students and families can maintain legal status, avoid complications, and make informed decisions about studying, working, or staying in Canada after graduation.