It is conceivable for a foreign person to possess a work permit and a study permit at the same time, as long as certain conditions are satisfied.
Foreign nationals who wish to hold both a work permit and a study permit concurrently must meet the eligibility requirements for each permit separately since work permits and study permits have different eligibility requirements and circumstances.
To learn more about who is eligible for a study permit, see this page. To learn more about work permits, go to this site.
Furthermore, candidates need to persuade an immigration official that they are able to work and study concurrently while submitting an application for both visas simultaneously.
This can be achieved, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), by including a letter of explanation to the application for a permit. This letter of explanation should include “details about how you’ll balance your work schedule with your studies,” since it is meant to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to work and study simultaneously.
*Applicants seeking online permits are recommended to upload their letter of explanation in the document checklist’s Client information section.
Important information about having two permits
Some foreign citizens may be permitted to study in Canada without a study permit if they have a valid work permit, even if it is permissible to apply for and have two permits at the same time.
Additionally, a newcomer’s eligibility for other programs, such as the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program, may be significantly impacted by having two permits simultaneously.
Non-EU workers that are able to pursue education without a study permit
In particular, those Canadians with work permits could be able to pursue their studies without needing a study permit if:
- Their work visa is still valid and was granted on or before June 7, 2023.
- On or before June 7, 2023, they received a work permission letter* (allowing them to continue working while their permit application is being reviewed).
*IRCC emphasizes that people who are awaiting word on a work permit extension may also utilize this letter.
For further information and to find out if you may study without a study permission, go this link.
Potential effects on one’s eligibility for other initiatives
Permanent Residency (PR)
IRCC states that “work experience [acquired] while [holding] a study permit doesn’t count toward the work experience requirements for most [PR] programs,” which may be of interest to those who hope to apply for permanent residence in Canada in the future.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) eligibility is a prime example of an exception to the aforementioned assertion. Work experience completed in Canada while enrolled full-time in an educational program is not given credit toward an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in any of the three programs run by the Express Entry application management system.
Note: Prior to an IRCC Express Entry draw, applicant profiles for Express Entry are ranked against one another based on CRS scores. To utilize a CRS calculator for Express Entry, click this link.
The FSWP, however, conditionally permits candidates to apply Canadian work experience obtained while holding a study permit toward satisfying the program’s minimal qualifications and eligibility. This is in contrast to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
It is crucial to keep in mind that CRS scores and minimum eligibility points are two different things. This kind of job experience won’t raise CRS scores, but it could raise the minimum eligibility points.
In order for an applicant’s work experience to satisfy the minimal standards of the FSWP, the job has to:
- have been compensated by salary or commissions either full-time or part-time.
- have remained steady (without pauses in employment) for a minimum of a year.
- Fulfill all other program requirements
PGWP
When holding two permits simultaneously, international students who want to apply for a PGWP after completing their studies must make sure they still match all eligibility requirements for the PGWP program.
The most crucial thing for holders of dual permits to remember is that they have to make sure they stay enrolled full-time in their program of study for each semester, even if they are working.
Next actions
Because the requirements for obtaining each sort of permission varies, it might be difficult to have two permits at once. Writing a strong letter of explanation, which is essential to demonstrating to the IRCC that an applicant can work and study in Canada concurrently, may also be challenging.
An immigration lawyer may be extremely useful with this procedure for individuals looking for guidance and assistance prior to applying for two visas at the same time. In particular, immigration attorneys are licensed experts who may assist foreign nationals with a range of permit-related duties, such as:
- Assisting novices in correctly and completely completing applications
- corresponding with the Canadian government on behalf of those seeking work permits or study permits
- ensuring that applicants don’t make critical errors when obtaining a permit
