It can be difficult to navigate the Canadian immigration system, particularly when trying to get both a work permit and a study permit at the same time. The essential information you need to know about possessing dual permits as a foreign person in Canada is outlined below.

Eligibility and Application Process

Foreign nationals must fulfil particular eligibility requirements for each permit separately to hold both a work permit and a study permit concurrently. It's critical to persuade immigration officers during the application process that you can successfully balance your obligations to work and study.

Your ability to successfully manage job and study obligations can be demonstrated by including a thorough letter of explanation with your permit applications. Your strategy for organising your time and meeting your obligations for employment and education should be outlined in this letter.

Implications and Considerations

While it is feasible to possess two licences concurrently, it is important to be aware of the ramifications and factors to take into account.

Certain foreign people, for example, would be able to study in Canada without a study permit provided they have a work permission letter or a valid work permit that was issued on or before June 7, 2023. Holding two permits concurrently, however, may affect your eligibility for certain programs, such as the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).

Generally speaking, job experience obtained while under a study permit is not eligible to be applied towards the work experience requirements of most programmes leading to Permanent Residence (PR).

Under the Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP), which permits the use of Canadian work experience obtained while in possession of a study permit under certain conditions, there are, nevertheless, some limitations.

After concluding their studies, international students who want to pursue a PGWP must make sure they manage their employment obligations while maintaining their full-time student status. To be eligible for the permit, you must fulfil all requirements of the PGWP programme. 

Seeking Professional Guidance

Considering how difficult it is to get and manage two permits at the same time, consulting an immigration attorney can be helpful. Immigration attorneys help immigrants avoid potential problems in the permit procedure, communicate with government authorities, and precisely complete applications.

FAQS

What kinds of work permits do foreign students in Canada have access to?

In Canada, foreign students enrolled full-time may apply for open work permits for spouses or common-law partners, co-op work permits for cooperative education placements, and Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) upon completion of studies.

If I have a valid work permit, may I study in Canada without a study permit?

In certain circumstances, foreign persons holding a valid work permit granted on or before June 7, 2023, or a work permission letter, may be able to study in Canada without a study permit.