Who can study in Canada without a study permit from India?

Manmeet Kaur
[Published 15 May, 2024 | 11:18 AM]
About Author - 6 min read
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You can study in Canada without a study permit!

Yes. It is possible.

Canada allows certain foreign nationals who wish to study in Canada to enrol in study programs – without requiring a valid permit. It is true that you need to obtain a valid study permit to pursue higher education in Canada, but there are exceptions.

There are 8 groups of foreign nationals that the Canadian government has allowed to study in the country.

Apply for Study Permit in Canada from India

Foreign Nationals Allowed to Study in Canada Without a Valid Permit

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), foreign nationals who fall under the following categories are eligible to study without a study permit in Canada:

1. Short-term students

Foreign students who are visiting Canada to study a post-secondary program – whose duration is six months or less, qualify to study without a permit.

2. Family or staff of foreign representatives

If you are a family member or someone who is related to a person, recognized by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) as a foreign representative to Canada, you can study in Canada without a study permit. That said, your embassy can connect with GAC to clarify whether you need a study permit or not.

3. Members of the foreign armed forces of a country selected under the Visiting Forces Act

Foreign armed forces groups who are currently on duty in Canada don’t need a study permit to pursue an education. This exception is applied to those who are either military or designated civilian personnel for the armed forces of a country that is nominated under Canada’s Visiting Forces Act (VFA). However, family members, including minor children, require a study permit. Moreover, armed forces personnel must get a letter of acceptance from the Department of National Defence of Canada.

4. Registered Indians in Canada

Registered Indians in Canada do not require a permit to study in Canada even if they are citizens of another country. One thing you must understand is that having Registered Indian status does not being an Indian resident or citizen. It simply means having status as an indigenous person in Canada.

5. Minor Children in Canada

Minor children do not need to obtain a study permit under the following circumstances:

• If the minor child is a refugee or refugee claimant
• If the parents of the minor child are refugees or refugee claimants
• If the parents of the minor child are permanent residents or citizens of Canada
• If the minor child is going to preschool, primary school or secondary school, chaperoned by a parent who is allowed to study in Canada
• If the minor child is going to preschool, primary school or secondary school, unaccompanied.

6. Temporary residents and asylum seekers taking French and culture courses

Temporary residents and asylum seekers attending French language and culture courses are required to secure a study permit in Quebec.

7. Temporary residents taking settlement and integration courses

Those who are attending provincially or territorially managed settlement and integration courses to help them settle into Canada do not require a Canada study permit.

8. Workers who can study without a study permit

Foreign skilled workers may be eligible to study in Canada without a permit under the following conditions:

• If they have a valid work permit, issued on or before June 7, 2023, or
• If they have been issued a letter on or before June 7, 2023, which permits them to work while IRCC processes their work permit application/extension.

So, if you fall under any of the listed categories and meet the requirements, you can immigrate to Canada - without a work permit.

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Why should you apply for a Canada Study Permit?

Though certain foreign nationals are permitted to study without a permit in Canada, there are benefits of applying for one.

Benefits for Minor Children

Minor children on a study permit are provided with more opportunities, programs and services. This includes:

• Secondary school co-op work permits
• Social services (in some provinces/territories)
• The ability to change between education levels without changing permits or applying for a new one

If the minor kids want to keep studying in Canada, they must apply for a study permit when they reach 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory.

Benefits for International Students

International students who are enrolled with a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) are allowed to find a job in Canada as an international student. They can work on or off campus while studying simultaneously, depending on the conditions listed on their permit. After graduating, they have options to work for 12 months and convert their study visa to Canada PR.

On the other hand, students in Canada without a study permit, cannot work and must apply for a work permit separately.

Canada Study Visa Approval at the age of 19 years in 15 days

Need help?

If you are in search of better work opportunities and want professional growth, connect with Nationwide Visas, the best immigration consultants in India who have 17 years of experience in successfully assisting thousands of Indians to achieve their dream of settling abroad.

Get a free consultation session and determine the best option to apply for your situation.

Call us@ +91 92 92 92 92 81 or email us at info@nationwidevisas.com.

Start your process today!

Read More: Study Visa to Canada PR: Step-By-Step Guide