Study in Canada: Canada remains a top destination for international education, in which around 400,000 Indian students have currently enrolled in institutions across the country. Typically, students require a study permit to pursue education in Canada, including presenting various major documents and may be a challenging process. However, a recent policy change allows some individuals to study in Canada without obtaining a study permit.
Who can study without a study permit?
According to immigration, refugees and citizenship Canada (IRCC), some work permit holders are allowed to continue their education without the need for a separate study permit. It is part of a temporary policy launched in 2023. In particular, individuals applying for work permits on or before 7 June, 2023 are eligible for this exemption. This rule is effective till 27 June 2026.
Conditions for study without study permit
To qualify under this exemption, applicants have to fulfill some criteria:
- Hold a valid work permit.
- On June 7, 2023, applied for work permits, IRCC has received an application by that date.
- If the application for renewal of work permits was submitted on or earlier on June 7, 2023, and the Working Authority is provided during the extension processing, the person can study without permits.
- Applicants submitting the work permit application after June 7, 2023 are not eligible for this policy.
- Those who applied to expand their work permits before the end of the previous permit can continue to work under the maintained position, but study permits do not qualify for exemption.
Study permit discount period
Eligible work permit holders can study without study permits as long as their current work permit is valid. They can also continue the study while their expansion applications are pending, provided that the application was submitted by the qualification date and has not been rejected. The discount did not end later from 27 June 2026.
Provide study permit exemption to institutions
Work permit holders or applicants for extension should inform their chosen educational institute (DLI) that they do not require a study permit under this policy. To do this, they have to present one of the following documents:
- A valid work permit.
- After applying for online work permit extension, an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) from IRCC online.
- A work authority issued after applying for study permit exemption.
- A IRCC email confirming eligibility under public policy for study permits exemption.
Why students want to study in Canada
Sustainable education in Canada provides many benefits. After completing a course, students are eligible for the post-graduate work permit (PGWP), allowing them to work in Canada for two to three years. Canadian work experience combined with Canadian degrees can significantly increase the possibilities of obtaining permanent residence (PR) through the express entry system.
