Continuation of interest-free status (CIFS) allows a full-time student who received a loan through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) or other student loan program, but who is no longer receiving funding, to continue their interest-free status. Students whose loans are in interest-free status do not have to make payments towards the principal of their loans and do not incur interest while in school full-time.

To apply for a continuation of interest-free status, a student would submit a CIFS application. Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• Previously received full-time Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) student loan;

• Does not want to apply for more full-time OSAP funding;

• Is currently enrolled in full-time studies or within 15 days of starting full-time studies.

To keep their previous full-time OSAP loans out of repayment, the CIFS application is used to notify the National Student Loans Service Center (NSLSC) that the student is back in full-time studies. The study period dates, known as the confirmed study period, are provided to the NSLSC and/or the financial institution(s) holding the student's OSAP loans.

For students who continue to apply for full-time OSAP funding each year they are enrolled, a CIFS application is not needed since their enrolment is confirmed to complete their OSAP application.