Who Can Study in Canada Without a Study Permit?

In light of recent news that Canada will be capping the number of international study permits issued over the next two years, foreign nationals may be looking to see if they qualify to study in Canada without a study permit. Although most foreign nationals who want to pursue an education in Canada must obtain a study permit, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicates that there are certain exemptions to this requirement. Specifically, according to IRCC, this may be a possibility for foreign nationals who qualify under one of the following eight categories.

 

Discover your options to study in Canada:

• – Short-term students do not require a study permit for post-secondary programs that are six months or shorter in length.
• – Family or staff of foreign representatives accredited by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) may not require a permit to study in Canada.
• – Members of the foreign armed forces of a country designated under the Visiting Forces Act do not need a permit to pursue an education in Canada.
• – Registered Indians in Canada do not need a permit to study in Canada.
• – Minor children in Canada may not need a permit in certain scenarios.
• – Temporary residents and asylum seekers taking French language and culture courses, as well as settlement and integration courses, do not require a permit.
• – Foreign workers may be eligible to study without a permit under certain conditions.

The Benefits of Applying for and Obtaining a Study Permit:

While there are some opportunities for foreign nationals to pursue an education in Canada without a permit, there are certain benefits to applying for and obtaining a permit from IRCC, such as additional opportunities, programs and services for minor children, as well as the ability to work while studying for registered full-time students at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

It is important to understand the exemptions and benefits when considering studying in Canada as an international student. For more information and assistance with Canadian immigration, please feel free to reach out to us.