Most often, foreign nationals intending to study in Canada require a study permit, especially if the academic /educational training will be more than 6 months at a designated learning institution. However, certain individuals are exempt from this requirement under specific conditions outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Below are the activities that a foreign national can perform in Canada that do not need a study permit:

i.               Pre-school (pre-kindergarten)

ii.              Courses of general interest or self-improvement

iii.             Distance learning

iv.             Audited courses (courses that don’t give credit or have the ability to obtain credit in)

v.              Settlement and integration courses offered by a provincial or territorial government through settlement and integration providers (including francization courses offered by the Government of Quebec, as they are considered settlement and integration courses and not language courses by IRCC.

Categories of foreign nationals exempt from study permit:

i.               Minor children in Canada

ii.              Family members and members of private staff of accredited foreign representatives who are in Canada to carry out official duties as a diplomatic agent, consular officer, or official of a country other than Canada.

iii.             Members of a country's armed forces designated for the purposes of the Visiting Forces Act.

iv.             Short-term courses – foreign nationals may enter or remain in Canada without a study permit to attend a course or program of study of 6 months or less. However, if they wish to enroll in a subsequent course or program of study, they MUST apply outside Canada and obtain a study permit normally. Also, note that foreign nationals without a study permit will not be granted an extension of their authorized stay as a visitor simply to complete a short-term course or program of less than 6 months that would last beyond their original authorized period of stay.

v.              Registered Indians.

vi.             Foreign nationals eligible for the temporary public policy allow certain valid work permit holders or certain foreign nationals authorized to work under R186(u) to study without a study permit as of June 27, 2023.

vii.           Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) - The province of Quebec no longer requires a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies from foreign nationals who wish to study in Quebec and who are authorized to do so without a study permit as a result of this measure. This CAQ exemption for workers to begin studying without a study permit authorized under this study authorization measure came into effect simultaneously on June 27, 2023.

In conclusion, while most foreign nationals require a study permit to pursue educational activities in Canada, specific exceptions are outlined under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Understanding these exemptions can facilitate easier navigation of Canada’s immigration and study permit processes.

For further details, refer to the official government guidelines here

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