Under what circumstances does a study permit become invalid, including any exceptions?

Author: Al Parsai, LL.M, RCIC-IRB

Last Updated On: June 10, 2026

A study permit becomes invalid on whichever of these happens first: the permit holder completes their studies and 90 days pass; the permit holder is no longer enrolled at the designated learning institution named on the permit for a reason other than completing the program; the permit is cancelled; or the permit reaches its expiry date. A permit can be cancelled if it was issued in error, if the holder becomes a permanent resident or dies, or if a removal order against the holder becomes enforceable. This means a study permit can become invalid before its expiry date.

There is an exception to the 90-day rule after completion of studies. That 90-day rule does not apply to certain people who are exempt from paying study permit processing fees, such as some refugee claimants, protected persons, diplomats, members of designated armed forces, certain exchange students, and temporarily destitute students. It also does not apply to certain family members of foreign nationals residing in Canada who fall within specified work-permit exemption categories. However, those exceptions apply only to the 90-day completion rule; the study permit may still become invalid due to non-enrolment at the named institution, cancellation, or expiry.

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Al Parsai, LL.M, RCIC-IRB

Al Parsai is a distinguished Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (L3 RCIC-IRB – Unrestricted Practice) hailing from vibrant Toronto, Canada. Al's academic achievements include an esteemed role as an adjunct professor at prestigious Queen's University Law School and Ashton College, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from York University (Osgood Hall Law School). A respected member of CICC, Al's insights are further enriched by his experience as the dynamic CEO of Parsai Immigration Services. Guiding thousands of applicants from over 55 countries through the immigration process since 2011, Al's articles offer a wealth of invaluable knowledge for readers.