The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the education system across the globe with online learning becoming the new standard, there has been some confusion surrounding whether a permit is required to study online in Canada.
Whether or not you require a study permit to study online in Canada will depend on your program. Here are some instances where you may not require a study permit to study online in Canada:
1. Distance Learning:
If your educational program is considered distance learning, you can not apply for a study permit to study in Canada. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) consider distance learning to be a process where a student does not need to be physically where the teaching is taking place. It should be noted that distance learning is different from courses or programs that are temporarily online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If your distance learning requires any portion of the program to be complete in Canada (ex. in-person exams, tutorials). If this is the case, and the overall course is longer than 6 months, you will require a study permit for the in-Canada portion of the program.
If you are studying a program that is entirely distance learning, you can do so in Canada on a visitor permit. Likewise, if you are already in Canada on a work permit, you complete your distance learning without applying for a study permit.
2. Programs Less Than 6 Months Duration:
If your educational course in Canada is six months long or less, you will not require a study permit to study online. According to Canada’s immigration, foreign nationals that intend to attend a program of study that is six months long, or less, do not require a study permit.
However, foreign nationals should still apply for a study permit, even if the duration is six months or less. This will make it easy to renew or change the conditions of their study permit if needed for further studies.
3. Courses Of General Interest/Self-Improvement:
If you are planning to complete a course that is of general interest to you, or for the purpose of self-improvement, you may not need a study permit to study online in Canada. A general interest or self-improvement course is one that is taken for non-academic reasons and doesn’t typically result in a degree or diploma.
These courses are not considered studies for the purpose of Canada’s immigration laws, and therefore do not require a permit.
4. Audited Courses:
If you are auditing an academic course without claiming credits, or without the ability to claim credits in the future, you may be eligible to study in Canada online without a study permit.
