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Taking an online course on PGWP

graacekim

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Oct 25, 2016
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I'm currently on PGWP, but I was wondering if it's possible for me to take a 100% Online, part time, non credit certificate program without a study permit? OR would I need to wait till I get my PR? (Submitted my eAPR & received AOR yesterday, 11/02/2016)
 

floomy

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Dec 17, 2012
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I did it years back. I took online/distance learning course.
I did not have any problem, and the school did not ask me SP.

but this was like 5 years ago, so I would call CIC.
 

J5M

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May 15, 2014
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Hi,


graacekim said:
I'm currently on PGWP, but I was wondering if it's possible for me to take a 100% Online, part time, non credit certificate program without a study permit? OR would I need to wait till I get my PR? (Submitted my eAPR & received AOR yesterday, 11/02/2016)

Yes, you can study any course which is shorter than 6 months. Doesn't matter if it's online or in school.
 
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egoo45

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Aug 11, 2015
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I was wondering the same thing so I called them a few months back. They said what JSM was saying. As long as the course is less than 6 months and if you take like 10 of those it won't lead to a degree or certification.
 

graacekim

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Oct 25, 2016
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Thanks everyone! I guess my status doesn't really matter as long as it's less than 6 months :)
For anyone else who might be wondering, I also found this from the CIC website:

Distance learning can be through e-learning, correspondence, or internet courses. Distance learning is a process by which technology is used in ways where the student does not have to physically be in the place where the teaching is taking place.

Since by definition distance learning does not require one to be in Canada, a study permit cannot be issued for this type of course. For example, if a foreign national authorized to work in Canada is prohibited from engaging in studies as per a condition of their work permit, they are allowed to engage in distance learning courses.

However, some distance learning courses include an in-Canada portion to the program (e.g., special tutorials or the writing of final exams). If the overall course of study is greater than six months, then the student requires a study permit for the in-Canada portion of the program, even if the in-Canada portion is less than six months. The duration of the study permit should be for the duration of the in-Canada portion only.