In order to study in Canada, foreign nationals must obtain a study permit in order to be authorized to study. However, there are certain circumstances that will allow you to study in Canada without first obtaining a study permit. This may seem like a very optimistic option for foreign nationals wishing to participate in Canadian education system without having to obtain a study permit. Therefore, in this article, I will explain what a study permit entails and which foreign nationals do not require a study permit in order to study in Canada.
A study permit in Canada is intended to provide authorization to foreign nationals, who permanently reside outside of Canada, to study in Canada temporarily. A study permit is a requirement by the Canadian government for foreign nationals who are studying in Canada at a designated learning institution. However, not all foreign nationals who come to Canada to study require a study permit.
There are several different circumstances that may allow you to study in Canada without obtaining a study permit. I will explain, in detail, below, the certain circumstances that allow you to study in Canada without first obtaining a study permit.
If a foreign national wishes to participate in a course or program that is six months or less in length, then they do not require a study permit in order to do so. The course or program can be in any subject and can be taken on a part-time or full-time basis. In order to be exempt from obtaining a study permit, you must ensure that the course is successfully completed within the six months. Keep in mind, the Canadian government does not issue an extension of a visitor visa in order to complete the short-term program. Therefore, if you need more time to complete it, then, at that point, you will have to obtain a study permit.
Subsequently, the Canadian government urges foreign nationals to obtain a study permit if they intend on completing a six month long program or course and have the intention of also working on or off campus during their studies. The same suggestion goes for individuals that wish to continue their studies after the successful completion of the six month long program or course. Under both circumstances, the foreign national will need to obtain a study permit.
Minor foreign children may study at pre-school, primary, or secondary school without the need to obtain a study permit. This specifically applies to minor children of foreign nationals who are either studying or working in Canada through proper authorization. In addition, this also applies to minor children of Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. However, it is important to note that if the parent of the minor foreign child only has a visitor visa, also referred to as a Temporary Resident Visa, then the minor child will not be able to study in Canada at all without a study permit.
If you so happen to be a family member or private staff of foreign diplomats and foreign accredited representatives, then, luckily, you will not require a study permit to study in Canada. This is an exemption and there are eligibility requirements for these particular individuals. For further clarification, a family member of a diplomat must either be a spouse or common-law partner; a dependent child of the individual or their spouse or common-law partner; or, a dependent child of a dependent child. Therefore, if you do not fall under one of these categories but you are still a family member of a diplomat, unfortunately, you would not qualify under this exemption.
Any member of foreign armed forces of a designated country under the Visiting Forces Act does not require a study permit prior to studying in Canada. The designated countries that fall under the Visiting Forces Act are as follows:
Any individuals who are registered Indians or Indians entitled to be registered as Indians defined under the Indian Act in Canada are exempt from having to obtain a study permit in order to study in Canada. They may study in Canada without any Immigration authorization.
If you would like to come to Canada to study and apply for a study permit but are unsure if you do not need a study permit in order to study, it is important to take all of the aforementioned information into consideration before applying. Study permit applications are difficult to pursue on your own, especially if you are unfamiliar; it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients enter Canada to pursue studies with and without obtaining a study permit. If you believe that you may be eligible to apply for a study permit or if you would like assist with determining whether you need a study permit or not, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advice.
With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!
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