If you have been working in Canada for years, you must have gained invaluable work experience, built connections, and immersed yourself in the community. However, once you’ve spent some time on the job, you may realize that returning to school is just what you need to get that extra boost towards your career goals. Whether you’re looking to get more specialized in your field, change industries, or open up new opportunities for yourself, continuing your education is a worthwhile endeavor.

 

By changing your temporary status from work to study permit, you can enroll in full-time academic programs at an institution anywhere in Canada without losing your residency status. However, under new IRCC rules, you must synchronize your application to fall under national international student quotas, ensure you meet changes to financial requirements, and comply with individual school rules when changing from a work permit to a study permit.

 

The application process to convert work permit to study permit Canada can be stressful to manage all on your own. In fact, incorrect paperwork or misunderstanding immigration rules can cause serious delays or even denials. That’s why it’s critical to work with immigration consultants who can protect your future by ensuring every piece of your application is accurate and submitted correctly.

 

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Can You Study on a Work Permit in Canada?

 

As a temporary foreign worker, you may ask yourself, “Can I study on work permit in Canada?” While you may not technically have to change your status, understanding Canada’s study on work permit regulations is important to protect your residency options down the line.

 

• The Six-Month Rule

Under Canadian law, international workers are permitted to take certification or diploma courses of six months or less without applying for a separate study permit. This is referred to as the Six-Month Rule. The course of study must also be completed within the date range of your current work permit.

 

• Long-Term Academic Programs

If you wish to complete a program that exceeds six months – whether a diploma, degree, or year-long certificate course – you are required to legally switch from work permit to study permit Canada. Enrolling in a long-term study at a Designated Learning Institution while on a work permit only is considered a violation of your temporary resident conditions. Not only does this threaten your ability to renew visas in the future, but it can also jeopardize permanent residency opportunities should you qualify.

 

Study Permit Eligibility for Workers in Canada

 

Before you begin the application process to change your status, there are a few regulations you should familiarize yourself with to ensure you qualify study permit eligibility for workers in Canada.

 

• Basic Requirements

All applicants wishing to change their status to student must currently hold a valid temporary residency in Canada. You must also be accepted by and receive an unconditional Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a school that is registered as a DLI by Immigration Canada.

 

• The PAL Requirement

Because Canada enforces a national cap on the number of international students it accepts each year, most international student applicants at the undergraduate level will be required to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) from their province of study.

 

• Students Exempted from PAL and TAL

Students who attend post-secondary schools authorized by the Canadian government are divided into two categories: public and private. Currently, there are four different categories of students who are exempt from obtaining a PAL:

 

1. Graduate Studies: Students applying to a Master’s or Doctorate-level program at publicly funded colleges or universities.

2. Secondary School Students: High school students applying to attend Secondary School in Canada.

3. English Language Students: Students who wish to attend an English study program strictly for the purposes of improving their language skills.

4. Canadian-based Families: Students who have at least one parent legally residing in Canada permanently (includes Temporary Residents)

 

Financial Requirements for Study Permit as a Worker in Canada

 

Studying while on work permit Canada requires you to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself throughout your academic program without relying on full time employment. You are not permitted to hold a work permit alongside your study permit to cover the costs of living and tuition.

 

• Proof of Living Expenses

IRCC requires single applicants to prove they have immediate access to at least CA$22,895 for living expenses. You must also include the total costs for your first-year tuition.

 

• Providing Proof of Funds

You may provide proof of funds by submitting one of the following documents:

• A bank statement showing a Canadian bank account in your name with enough total savings.
• A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) issued by a participating Canadian bank.
• A statement from a recognized bank stating that you’ve received an eligible education loan.
• Passport-sized bank statements that cover a minimum of 4-6 consecutive months.
• Directly paid tuition fees and/or housing costs to your school of choice.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Status from Working to Studying

 

You can switch from work permit to study permit Canada entirely online through your personal IRCC portal. However, applications can take up to three months to process, so we recommend applying at least four months before your program’s start date to avoid gaps in your status.

 

STEP 1: Obtain Acceptance Letter

Begin by researching your desired program and ensuring it complements your long-term career goals. Once found, ensure you receive an unconditional Letter of Acceptance from the school with their official six-digit DLI number.

 

STEP 2: Obtain Your PAL

If your chosen program requires you to obtain a PAL, complete this step by contacting your school’s international admissions office. They will submit your request to your chosen province’s Ministry on your behalf.

 

STEP 3: Prepare Financial Documents

Next, you’ll want to gather your financial documents. Make sure any bank accounts used show your first-year tuition costs and a minimum of CA$22,895 for your living expenses.

 

STEP 4. Write your LOE

Though this isn’t always required, writing your Letter of Explanation is strongly recommended. Your LOE should detail your career path, clearly state why you’ve chosen to study in Canada after work permit instead of remaining in the workforce, and how your chosen program will benefit your career.

 

STEP 5: Submit Your Application

After reviewing your documents, submit the application through the online portal and pay the CA$150 study permit fee. You’ll be required to pay a biometrics fee of $85 if you haven’t had your biometrics collected in the last 10 years.

 

Study Permit Work Regulations in Canada

 

As soon as your application is approved, you should understand how you’ll be authorized to work with a study permit.

 

• Working Off-Campus as an International Student

As an international student with a valid study permit, you’ll have authorization to work in Canada either on or off campus until graduation. You’re allowed to work off campus for up to 24 hours per week while the school is in session. Working on campus is not limited to any specific number of hours.

 

• Scheduled Breaks and Co-op Study Permits

During official breaks that your school mandates (like winter or summer holidays), you’re allowed to work full-time off campus. Certain students who are pursuing post-secondary education in Canada are also exempt from obtaining a separate co-op work permit. As long as the co-op placement doesn’t make up more than 50% of your program, you can work without restriction.

 

Work Permit Opportunities After Graduation

 

Choosing to study in Canada after work permit can open up new opportunities for you after graduation. But before you set out on your academic journey, there are things you should look out for.

 

• Ensure Your School Is PGWP Eligible

Every school list on its website whether they are public or private. Only students who graduate from public Canadian DLIs are eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If you attend a private institution or a program that is not entirely government-run, you will not qualify for a PGWP. Make sure to choose a public DLI to receive a work permit after graduation.

 

• How Long is the PGWP?

Similar to changing your status from work to study permit in Canada, the PGWP sets rules on how long you can work after graduation.

 

• Master’s and PhD Students: This can be tricky. Students who graduate from a Master’s or PhD program that is offered at a public Canadian University are eligible for a 3-year PGWP. This is true even if your program duration was under 2 years, provided it lasted at least 8 months.
• Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate degrees and college diplomas follow the standard rules. If you study in a two-year program, you will be eligible for a two-year work permit. If you complete a three-year program, you will be eligible for a three-year work permit. However, you may qualify for a three-year permit under special circumstances.

 

Keep Your Status Safe with Western Immigration Advisors

 

Switching your immigration status from a worker to a student within Canada isn’t as simple as applying for a study permit. You must account for the annual student cap, navigate strict financial requirements, and ensure your documents are in order while applying for work to study permit.

 

One wrong calculation in your financial support, uploading the wrong document, or forgetting to apply for your PAL can lead to your application being denied or even to losing status in Canada.

 

At Western Overseas, our immigration consultants keep up with daily changes to IRCC’s regulations. We ensure that your application meets all qualifications, from choosing a school that grants PGWPs to establishing a solid financial file and writing a detailed letter of explanation.

 

Don’t leave your status in Canada up to chance. Allow us to guide you through every step of your transition.

 

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