Leave of Absence Request
Undergraduate Leave of Absence Policies
As per the University of Regina Undergraduate Calendar:
"Except for the Faculty of Nursing where a formal leave of absence is required (see Faculty of Nursing), University of Regina undergraduate students do not need a formal leave of absence for a period of 3 terms or less. Students will remain active in their programs for a period of 3 terms without having to formally register in courses. In situations of maternity of parental leave, students may apply for a formal leave of absence for an additional 2 terms for a maximum of 5 consecutive terms. Students must submit their leave of absence request a month prior to the end of the third term of course inactivity.
Note (International Students) - International students who are studying on a study permit must ensure that they are, and remain, in compliance with the conditions of their study permit, as well as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies surrounding leaves from studies. International students may only take a leave of absence according to the circumstances outlined by IRCC (e.g., medical reasons, death or serious illness of of a family members, etc.). It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they have proper documentation supporting their leave of absence should IRCC require proof or confirmation."
Students requesting a leave of absence must consider the potential impacts on:
- their current student status in Canada
- their current eligibility to work on and/or off campus
- their future eligibility for a PGWP
Students should also take note of when the next course registration period opens in order to ensure they can obtain their Confirmation of Enrolment. This document may be required at the Port of Entry when returning to Canada, if applicable.
It is important that students speak with their Faculty Academic Advisor regarding their leave of absence. Leave of absences may impact course sequencing, practicum opportunities, etc.
UR International Student Services is required each Fall and Winter term to report to IRCC on the status of students' enrolment. If you do not complete a Leave of Absence Application and do not receive an approval letter, you may be reported as no longer registered or enrolled. If you extend your leave beyond the 150-day maximum regulated by IRCC and do not provide additional evidence that you changed your status of left Canada, you may be reported as no longer registered or enrolled.
Learn more about compliance reporting.
Students may apply for a leave of absence (for up to 150 days) under the following categories:
- Medical illness or injury (including mental wellness)
- Maternity or parental leave
- Family emergency
- Death or serious illness of a family member
- Change in program of study (within the same institution)
- Academic or non-academic suspension (dependent on degree of severity)
If the reason for your leave is outside of these categories (e.g., tuition or financial, transferring to another institution, discontinuing studies, changing immigration status, etc.), you will be accountable to provide all details of your situation should IRCC request the information; supporting documentation and approval letters from UR International Student Services will not be provided in these cases.
If you do not receive a formal approval letter for a leave of absence, you may be reported as no longer registered or enrolled during Compliance Reporting.
To apply for a leave of absence, you must be in good academic standing as outlined in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar, have completed at least nine (9) credit hours towards your program of study, and have no financial holds preventing course registration. The reason for your leave must fall under one of the following categories:
- Medical illness or injury (including mental wellness)
- Maternity or parental leave
- Family emergency
- Death or serious illness of a family member
- Change in program of study (within the same institution)
- Academic or non-academic suspension (dependent on degree of severity)
If you owe more than $2,000 to the University or have a financial hold that prevents course registration, you are not eligible for a leave of absence. In this case, you must pay your balance down according to Financial Services policies to remove the hold. Once the hold is removed from your account, you may apply for a leave of absence.
If you feel that you may be eligible for a tuition or grade adjustment as per your situation, you may complete the applicable tuition or grade adjustment form(s) and submit them to the Registrar's Office.
Leave of absences are only available for terms in which Compliance Reporting to IRCC is mandatory (Fall and Winter terms at the University of Regina). Due to IRCC’s regulations, students should note that some Spring Summer terms may not be considered a scheduled break depending on the circumstance.
If you are in your first academic term, please speak with a UR International Student Services team member for guidance. Students who are in their first academic term are not eligible for a leave of absence.
If you have completed at least nine (9) credit hours at the University of Regina, the start date of your leave will be according to the first evidence of non-enrolment.
Review important dates and deadlines on the Academic Schedule.
Leave of absences for international students inside Canada cannot exceed 150 calendar days. Leaves of absence cannot be extended.
As per the current IRCC policies, students must actively pursue studies in order to maintain their student status in Canada and eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The length and type of leave may impact whether or not you are considered actively pursuing your studies.
Students requiring longer leaves must apply to change their status or leave Canada. Leave of absences combined with a scheduled break may have negative implications on future immigration applications.
If we approve your leave of absence request, we will issue you an approval letter. This letter outlines the terms and conditions of your leave, when you are expected to return to your studies, and other important details.
When applying for future immigration documents, it is important to keep this letter on file and include it in those applications. You may also have to provide a personal letter of explanation or other supporting documents should IRCC request them.
Additional supporting documents are no longer needed for leave of absence requests at the University of Regina.