Study In Canada Without a Study Permit

Short-Term Study in Canada

Individuals do not require a study permit in order to pursue a program of study for six months or less. Courses may consist of any subject(s), and may be taken on a part- or full-time basis. In order to be deemed exempt from the requirement for a study permit, the course of study should be completed within the six month period. A visa extension will not be granted for the sole purpose of completing a short-term program.

Foreign nationals in Canada without a study permit who wish to enroll in an educational program must apply for a study permit from outside Canada. An exception may be made if the course is short-term in nature and can be completed within the original period of stay specified upon their entry to Canada.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada recommends that foreign nationals seek a study permit for a program of six months or less if they intend to work on campus or continue their studies in Canada after completion of the initial program.

Construction trades apprentices

Under a temporary public policy, effective from Feb 27, 2025 to Feb 27, 2027, apprentices in certain construction trades can apply for a study permit exemption.

To be eligible, students must have

• A valid work permit;
• A job offer in an eligible occupation; and
• An apprenticeship agreement with an employer for the work described in the job offer.

Eligible apprentices must request this study permit exemption.

Note: Apprenticeship agreements must be registered with the appropriate provincial or territorial authority.

The foreign worker must meet all eligibility requirements both at the time of applying, and at the time of the decision

How to request consideration under this public policy

Foreign apprentices must apply to IRCC for this study permit exemption. 

To apply, foreign apprentices must specify that they are applying under the public policy designated as "Apprenticeship 25-27". This information must be filled out in the "Tell us about your request" section on IRCC's webform. 

The following table details eligible occupations under this temporary policy. Occupations titles and their corresponding National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes are listed:

Step-by-Step process for applying:

1. Access IRCC's webform;
2. Select the option to "update or ask about your application", and then the option to "Add a document to your application";
3. Make the selection that best describes your situation, under the field "Who are you?";
4. Fill in relevant personal information, including an email address where the department can contact you;
5. When prompted for an application number use the work permit number printed on your valid work permit;
6. Indicate when prompted that you have applied for "temporary residence" and that you submitted an application for a "work permit";
7. When asked for a "Unique Client Identifier" type the 8 or 10 digit number that appears on your work permit;
8. In the "Tell us about your request" section:
   1. In the field entitled "Did we ask you to add the document(s) to your profile, select "Yes you asked me to add document(s);
   2. In the explanation box make sure to indicate that you are applying under "Apprenticeship 25-27", identifying this application as part of the temporary public policy for study permit exemptions. In addition, you should include a description of each document that you will upload as part of your web form submission;
9. In the "Upload your document(s) section" upload proof that:
   1. You hold a job in one of the eligible construction fields; and
   2. That your apprenticeship agreement is registered to the relevant provincial or territorial apprenticeship and certification authority.
10. Select "Review your request" when prompted;
11. If all the above information is correct, submit your request via the web form.

Minor Children in Canada

Any minor child residing in Canada may study at a pre-school, primary or secondary level without a study permit. This applies to the children of temporary students or workers, as well as Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

This exception does not apply to children of temporary residents who are not authorized to work or study in Canada (i.e. visitors).

Family Members and Private Staff of Diplomats

Family members or members of the private staff of foreign diplomats and foreign accredited representatives do not require a permit to study in Canada. For purposes of this exception, a family member is defined as:

• A spouse or common-law partner;
• The dependent child of the individual or their spouse/common-law partner; or
• The dependent child of a dependent child.

Members of Foreign Armed Forces in Canada

The Visiting Forces Act lists the following countries as designated states:

Contact the Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

Do you need assistance studying in Canada? The Cohen Immigration Law Firm can help. Cohen Immigration Law offers over 45 years of Canadian immigration expertise.

Please contact us to schedule a free telephone consultation with one of our lawyers.

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