Can I Study in Canada without a Study Permit?

Highlights: Is it possible to study in Canada without a study permit?

• IRCC is allowing exemptions on study permit requirements for certain foreign nationals.
• Foreign students enrolled in post-secondary programs for under six months are exempted from study permit requirements.
• Members of international armed forces posted in Canada for official duty do not require a study permit.
• Asylum seekers are also eligible to study in Canada without a study permit if they meet other eligibility requisites.

 

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Can you study in Canada without a study permit?

Recent news stated that IRCC announced Canada Study permit caps for all provinces. Following the study permit cap news, international students have been keen on knowing if studying in Canada is possible without Canada study permit.

 

International students willing to study in Canada must have a Canada study permit as per the norms set by IRCC. However, certain exemptions are allowed for foreign nationals who come under specific categories listed by the IRCC.

 

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Who can study in Canada without a study permit?

The IRCC allows individuals from the following categories to study in Canada without a study permit:

 

Short-term students

Short-term students enrolled in a post-secondary program ending in six months or less are exempted from the study permit requirement in Canada.

 

Family or employee of foreign representatives

If any of your family member or employer is a foreign representative recognised by Global Affairs Canada, you do not require a study permit to study in Canada.

 

Note: The embassy may want a clarification from the GAC regarding your study permit requirement.

 

Members designated under the Visiting Forces

Certain individuals who are designated members of foreign armed groups visiting Canada on official duty do not require a study permit to study in Canada. Eligible candidates include military personnel or civilians recognised by Canada's Visiting Forces Act (VFA). An acceptance letter has to be produced from the Canadian Department of National Defence to be exempted from the study permit requirement.

 

Note: Family members of these armed forces may still need a study permit to study in Canada.

 

Minor children in Canada

Minor children belonging to the following categories are exempted from the study permit requirement:

 

• Children of a refugee claimant
• Children of citizens of Canada or Canada PR holders
• Students of preschool, primary school, or secondary school whose parents have a study or work permit in Canada
• Students enrolled in preschool, primary, or secondary school without a parent in Canada.

 

Temporary residents and asylum seekers

Eligible candidates seeking asylum or temporary residence in Canada are not required to have a Canada study permit if they are enrolled in any of the following courses:

 

• French language or cultural integration courses in Quebec
• Settlement or Integration courses in Canada

 

Foreign workers

Certain foreign workers would be eligible to study in Canada without a study permit if they fulfill the following criteria:

 

• The candidate must possess a valid work permit issued on or before June 7, 2023
• The candidate has a letter issued on or before June 7, 2023, allowing them to work while their work permit is in process.

 

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