Canada will be capping the number of international study permits issued over the next two years. Therefore, foreign nationals might be looking to see if they qualify to study in Canada without a study permit.  

Most foreign nationals who wish to pursue an education in Canada must obtain a study permit. IRCC indicates that there are certain exemptions to this requirement. 

Specifically, according to IRCC, this might be a possibility for foreign nationals who qualify under one of the following eight categories: 

  • Short-Term Students 

International students who are coming to Canada for a post-secondary program that is six months or shorter in length do not require a study permit. 

 Family/ Staff Of Foreign Representatives

Suppose you are related to a family worker or work for a staff member accredited by Global Affairs Canada as a foreign representative to Canada. In that case, you might not require a permit to study. 

Note: Your embassy can contact GAC to clarify whether you need a study permit. 

  • Members Of The Foreign Armed Forces Of A Nation Designated Under The Visiting Forces Act 

Certain members of foreign armed forces groups who are on official duty in Canada do not need a study permit to pursue an education here.  

Particularly, this pertains to individuals who are either military or designated civilian personnel for the armed forces of a nation that is designated under Canada’s Visiting Forces Act. It is worth noting that the family members of foreign armed personnel who wish to study in Canada, including minor children, might still need a study permit.  

Note: Qualified armed forces personnel must possess a letter of acceptance from Canada’s Department of National Defense. 

  • Registered Indians In Canada 

Those with registered Indian status in Canada can study without a study permit. 

Note: Having registered Indian status is not the same as being a citizen or resident of India. It instead refers to having status as an indigenous person in Canada. 

  • Minor Children In Canada

In the following five scenarios, the minor children can study without a study permit: 

  • The minor child is a refugee or refugee claimant. 
  • The minor child’s parents are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. 
  • The parents of the minor child are refugees or refugee claimants. 
  • The minor child is attending preschool, primary school, or secondary school accompanied by a parent who is authorized to study/ work in Canada.
  • The minor child is attending preschool, primary school, or secondary school, but they are unaccompanied in Canada. 
  • Temporary Residents and Asylum Seekers Taking French Language and Culture Courses 

Eligible temporary residents or asylum seekers in Canada do not require a study permit to take French language and cultural integration courses in Quebec. 

  • Temporary Residents Taking Settlement and Integration Courses

Individuals taking provincially or territorially administered settlement and integration courses to help them settle into Canada do not need a study permit. 

  • Workers Who Can Study In Canada Without A Study Permit 

Foreign workers in Canada might be eligible to study without a study permit if they: 

  • Have a valid work permit which was issued on or before June 7, 2023
  • Have been issued a letter on/ before June 7, 2023, which authorizes them to work while IRCC processes their work permit application/ extension 

 The Benefits Of Applying For and Obtaining A Study Permit 

There are some opportunities for foreign nationals to pursue an education in Canada without a permit. However, there are certain benefits to applying for and obtaining a study permit from IRCC. 

  • For Minor Children In Canada

According to IRCC, minor children with a valid study permit might open themselves up to additional opportunities, services, and programs, like: 

  • Secondary school co-op work permits 
  • Social services 
  • The ability to transition between education levels without changing permits or applying for a new one  

Note: Minor children who wish to continue studying must apply for a study permit when they reach the age of majority.

  • General Benefits Of A Study Permit: Working While Studying 

Only registered full-time students with a study permit at a Canadian DLI might work on/ off campus while studying. Well, this depends on the conditions listed on their permit. 

Students without a study permit cannot work while studying. Also, they must apply for a separate work permit instead.