Usually, when any kind of work permit including PGWP is issued, some conditions will be written directly on your work permit. These may include:

• ·        the type of work you can do
• ·        the employer you can work for
• ·        where you can work
• ·        how long you can work

There are also standard conditions that apply to all work permit holders. Even if you have no specific conditions on your work permit, you still must-

• ·        not work for an employer in a business where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a risk of sexual exploitation of some workers, specifically strip clubs, massage parlors, escort agencies etc.
• ·        leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

 

Regulation 185(*) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations lists all the conditions that may be put on your work permit. However, R185(c) is directly related to the topic of this article. This says as below:

R185(c) the studies that they are permitted to engage in, or are prohibited from engaging in, in Canada, including

            (i) the type of studies or course,

            (ii) the educational institution,

            (iii) the location of the studies, and

            (iv) the times and periods of the studies.

 

The above regulation (as I underlined) clearly mentioned about “in Canada”. Means, even if they put any conditions related to study, that will be imposed for within Canada, not for any other program which conducted and/or the degree will be awarded from outside of Canada.

Summary and the answer:

Yes, you can study outside of Canada online while you are on PGWP / Work permit.

(*) Regulation 185 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations 

Disclaimer: The above writing is not intended to be a source of legal advice. Please seek legal advice and use your own good judgement before choosing to act on any information provided above. If you choose to rely on this article, you do so entirely at your own risk.