How does the end of the Ontario college strike affect my immigration status?
Now that the Ontario college strike is over, you have until December 5, 2017, to inform your designated learning institution (DLI) what you decide to do about your studies.
Students who stop their studies can get a tuition refund. Those who are staying enrolled can apply for up to $500 in financial aid.
Please be aware, the option you choose can affect your study permit status.
If you stay enrolled for the fall 2017 semester and continue your studies after the strike
- there is no impact on your immigration status as a student
- you’re still eligible for:
If you accept a full tuition refund, stop your studies for the fall 2017 semester, and are enrolled at a DLI for the January 2018 semester
- there is no impact on your immigration status as a student
- you’re still eligible for the following when you resume full-time classes in January 2018:
If you accept a full tuition refund, stop your studies for the fall 2017 semester and are enrolled at a DLI for the summer or fall 2018 semester
- You may lose your immigration status as a student. In this situation, your options are:
- If you stay in Canada, you may change your status to “visitor.” If you change your status to visitor, you’ll need to apply for a new study permit from outside of Canada if you want to return to Canada to study.
- If you leave Canada and return for the summer or fall 2018 semester, you may not need a new study permit if your current one is still valid.
- Since you’re no longer enrolled at a DLI, you’re not eligible for:
If you accept a full tuition refund, stop your studies for the fall 2017 semester and are not enrolled at a DLI in the future
- You’ll lose your immigration status as a student. In this situation, you can:
- change your status to “visitor” to stay in Canada, or
- choose to leave Canada.
- Since you’re no longer enrolled at a DLI, you’re not eligible for: