Canada is one of the most popular countries for newcomers to find work and pursue an education. Each year, hundreds of thousands of newcomers obtain work and study permits in Canada. If you choose to study or work in Canada, you will need to follow the requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you have any uncertainties, do not hesitate to contact an Ontario Immigration Lawyer or Consultant. 

Study Permit

Your study permit is usually valid for the duration of your program and courses. You will also be given an additional 90 days on top of that for preparations to extend your permit or depart from Canada. If you plan to extend your study permit, you should apply at least 30 days before it expires. Be advised that a study permit is not the same as a study visa. You may also require a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization to enter Canada.

To apply for study permit, you will need to:

Have a valid passport or travel document  

Be enrolled at a designated learning institution 

Have a letter of acceptance (original or electronic copy) from an approved educational institution

Prove you have sufficient funds while in Canada  

Abide the law (a police certificate may be required)

Prove you are in good health (a medical examination may be required)

Prove you will depart from Canada after study permit expires 

When is a study permit not required? Are there any exemptions? Not all foreign students require a study permit. Those who are exempted from requiring a study permit in Canada include:

Minor children in Canada

Study program lasting 6 months of less

Family members and staff of accredited foreign representatives 

Members of foreign armed forces 

Registered Indians in Canada  

According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the following activities do not require a study permit:

Distance learning

Pre-school

General interest courses

Audited courses  

Work Permit

In Canada, there is an open work permit and an employer-specific work permit. Which one of these work permits do you need? An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for non-compliant employers and erotic services. An employer-specific work permit allows you to work under specific prescribed terms. If you have just graduated from a designated learning institution and want to work temporarily in Canada, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit. If you need to extend your work permit or make changes to it, you should apply at least 30 days before it expires.   

To apply for an open work permit or an employer-specific work permit, you must:

Have a valid passport or travel document 

Prove you have sufficient funds while in Canada  

Abide the law (a police certificate may be required)

Not be a danger to Canada’s security

Not work for a non-compliant employer and an employer that regularly offers erotic services 

Prove you are in good health (a medical examination may be required)

Prove you will depart from Canada after work permit expires 

There are some occupations that do not require a work permit. If you are uncertain about whether you need a work permit or not, you can contact an Immigration lawyer or Consultant for advice. Some occupations that typically do not require a work permit include:

Short-term researcher

Religious Leader

Business Visitor

Foreign athlete and coach

Ready to get started? Key Legal has Canadian Immigration Lawyers ready to help you either through Zoom meetings or by telephone. You can either book an appointment or request a lawyer on-demand. Just use our booking page or our chat feature to get started!