taking ESL classes

[malcesine]

Does anyone know for sure if you need a study permit if you are taking some ESL classes (less than 6 months)?  I was told twice that a study permit is not necessary if the courses are less than 6 months.  But I have reservations.  Can anyone verify this? 

[Leon]

Go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-who.asp and scroll down to the Exceptions and you will see this:

In some cases, you do not require a study permit to go to school in Canada.

    * If you wish to study in a short-term course or program
      You do not need a study permit if you plan to take a course or program in Canada that lasts six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada.

[malcesine]

Thanks again, Leon!

Do you know what the likelihood of Immigration granting a study visa if you plan on changing the type of course you want to take?  Say you're studying English (with no visa, because you're in Canada as a visitor) then want to take technology courses at a College or University (study visa).  Will they not think that you don't want to return to your home country and then NOT grant you the study visa?

[Leon]

I don't know but they do also say on their website, the same link I gave you:

Even if you do not need a study permit, it is a good idea to apply for a permit before you come to Canada. If you decide that you want to continue your studies in another program after you complete your short-term course or program, you must apply through a Canadian visa office outside Canada for a study permit if you do not already have one.

[malcesine]

Thank you!

[eduardoF]

Thanks again, Leon!

Do you know what the likelihood of Immigration granting a study visa if you plan on changing the type of course you want to take?  Say you're studying English (with no visa, because you're in Canada as a visitor) then want to take technology courses at a College or University (study visa).  Will they not think that you don't want to return to your home country and then NOT grant you the study visa?

Attention: you do not need a study visa if you're taking a short course (< 6 months), but you may still need a travel (tourist) visa to enter Canada, depending on where you're from.

Eg.: I'm from Brazil, I went to Canada to take ESL classes (4 months). I didn't need a study visa, but needed a travel (tourist) visa.

[imaginarygirl]

hi there! I just wanna ask.. I have a working visa right now and it says "unless. authorized, i cannot take any academic classes" could that mean I can't take ESL? How can i be authorized to take an ESL class?