Prohibited from attending any educational institutions
Nina, a Belarusian citizen, works in Canada with a work permit. Her work permit reads, “Unless authorized, prohibited from attending any educational institutions, or taking any academic, professional, or vocational training courses.” No doubt, these strong words are confusing. Consequently, Nina wonders what they mean. Does this condition mean she may not study in Canada at all?
Table of contents
What does a work permit allow you to do?
A typical work permit allows you to work in Canada. However, it comes with certain expectations and limitations. Some of them include the following:
- The duration you may remain and work in Canada
- The employer’s name, unless an open work permit
- Your job position at the place of work
- The location of your job
- Other conditions, such as the one mentioned in my opening example
You must obey all these requirements. Otherwise, you could be subject to a removal order. Moreover, IRCC has not designed work permits for educational purposes. Generally speaking, you may not attend an educational institution unless there is an exemption.
Who may attend an educational institution with a work permit?
If you look at the wording of a work permit, it reads “unless authorized.” Therefore, you may conclude that there are situations where they allow you to attend an educational institution or take courses. Section 188 of the Immigration Regulations (IRPR) and subsection 30(2) of the Immigration Act (IRPA) explain those exceptional situations.
I have another article that describes studying without a permit, but here is a brief list based on Canadian law and regulations:
- The duration of the program is less than six months (e.g., crash courses, most ESL courses)
- A minor child whose parents hold work permits or study permits or are refugee claimants, protected persons, permanent residents, or Canadian citizens.
- Many diplomats and their family members
- Some of the armed forces that are on a mission in Canada
- Registered Indians (indigenous people)
Attending an educational institution for long-term studies
If you intend to study full-time and long-term in Canada, you must get a study permit. Many international students may work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week without a work permit. Luckily, a recent public policy allows international students to work full-time without a permit. However, this public policy will likely end on December 31, 2023.
Sometimes you already hold a work permit and would like to study concurrently. The simple solution is to apply for a study permit despite having a work permit. Generally speaking, having a study permit won’t revoke your work permit. However, working while studying in Canada does not count as Canadian work experience for immigration under the Candian Experience Class (an Express Entry subcategory). Therefore, only apply for a study permit if this change does not adversely affect you.
Let us help!
If you intend to attend an educational institution, consider booking a consultation session with me for official immigration advice. Alternatively, you may fill out our assessment form. However, for those of you who are facing visa or immigration problems, the following form will be the best option.
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Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
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