Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Student Services

International Student Advising and Programs

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ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS: STUDYING AND WORKING IN CANADA

On September 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced several measures to further reform the International Student Program. The announcement includes a requirement of Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for new graduate students in 2025 and a language proficiency requirement for post-graduation work permit starting November 1, 2024.

For more information, review IRCC’s Sep 18 New Release and Speaking Notes. We have also updated our News and Updates page and will continue to make updates when additional details are announced by IRCC. 

Although your study permit allows you to study part time (i.e. you are still considered to be "actively pursuing studies" if enrolled part time), part-time enrolment will impact your ability to work on or off campus. It may also affect your eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist well in advance if you plan to enroll part time during your program.

Undergraduate Students

SFU does not require undergraduate students to enroll full time, and you do not need to request the University’s permission to study part time. However, part-time enrolment can impact your legal ability to work in Canada.

We also recommend that you consult with the relevant department/s at SFU to discuss any potential implications of part-time enrolment when it comes to your financial aid eligibility, ability to live in Residence, academic planning, and/or any other considerations unrelated to immigration.

From an immigration perspective, as an undergraduate student you may study part time in the Summer term without any impact on your study permit or post-graduation work permit eligibility. Similarly, studying part time in Summer will not impact your on- or off-campus work eligibility, as long as you enroll full time for both the Spring and Fall terms in the same calendar year (see Regularly Scheduled Break for more information). 

If you choose to study part time in the Fall or Spring term:

  • You will not be eligible to work on or off campus until you resume full-time enrolment.
    • Summer can not be considered a scheduled break if you study part time in the term immediately before or after the Summer term. For more information, see Regularly Scheduled Break.
  • Studying part time in the Fall and/or Spring term may impact your ability to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). IRCC policy requires you to have studied full time in all academic terms (Fall and Spring for undergraduate students) throughout your program in order to qualify for a PGWP.
  • Part-time enrolment in Fall and/or Spring will not impact your study permit as long as you are continuing to actively pursue studies.

Note: You may be a part-time student in your final term of studies without any negative impact on your ability to work or your Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility, provided you were continuously enrolled full time in all other required terms (i.e. Fall and Spring terms, for undergraduate students at SFU). See Working On Campus and Working Off Campus for details.

Graduate Students

If you are a graduate student and wish to study part time, please note:

  • You will not be eligible to work on or off campus until you resume full-time enrolment. 
  • Studying part time may impact your ability to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). IRCC policy requires you to have studied full time in all academic terms (Fall and Spring for undergraduate students) throughout your program in order to qualify for a PGWP.