CEC – Does foreign online study affect Canadian work experience on PGWP?

[Applicant2026]

Hello everyone,


I am currently on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and working full-time in Canada in a TEER-eligible job. I am planning to apply for PR under Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after completing 12 months of work experience.

I am considering enrolling in a fully online bachelor’s program from a UK university (distance learning, no physical presence outside Canada).

My question is:

Will enrolling in a foreign, fully online program affect the eligibility or counting of my Canadian work experience toward CEC, assuming I continue working full-time in Canada on PGWP?


From IRCC information, I understand that:

• CEC excludes work experience gained while studying as a full-time student in Canada
• There is no explicit restriction mentioned for foreign or online studies

I would appreciate confirmation from anyone who has:

• Applied under CEC in a similar situation, or
• Has official IRCC references or RCIC insight

Thank you in advance for your guidance.

 

[Naturgrl]

It is not a Canadian school and online so you can work full time on your PGWP and it counts.

 

[Applicant2026]

Thank you for the clarification.


Just to confirm one point: although the UK program is fully online and from a non-Canadian institution, it is classified as full-time by the university. Since I am currently on an active PGWP and working full-time in Canada, do you see any issue with pursuing a full-time online UK program at the same time, or any risk to my CEC eligibility or PGWP compliance?


Appreciate your guidance.

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you for the clarification.


Just to confirm one point: although the UK program is fully online and from a non-Canadian institution, it is classified as full-time by the university. Since I am currently on an active PGWP and working full-time in Canada, do you see any issue with pursuing a full-time online UK program at the same time, or any risk to my CEC eligibility or PGWP compliance?


Appreciate your guidance.

No risk.

 

[dopeircc]

No risk.

Hi, were you successful in claiming points with online degree and working full-time in Canada? As I am in a same situation and abit tensed as my eligibility is been flagged as review required right now.

 

[Applicant2026]

Hi, were you successful in claiming points with online degree and working full-time in Canada? As I am in a same situation and abit tensed as my eligibility is been flagged as review required right now.

Hi,

Which institute did you study from, what program was it, and what equivalency did you receive from WES?

Also, did your eligibility pass first and then get flagged as “review required” before the final decision?

 

[dopeircc]

Hi,

Which institute did you study from, what program was it, and what equivalency did you receive from WES?

Also, did your eligibility pass first and then get flagged as “review required” before the final decision?

Hi, No eligibility didn't passed I just called IRCC they said it marked as under review, But I have read so many scary stories around when they mark review required. So I am bit worried.

I did a bachelors from Indian University, and Got 3 years equivalent on WES. Concurrently I have 3 years of full time work experience while I was studying remote but I was only spending 15 hours or less. So just wondering if officer will not disqualify my Canadian Experience. I know this is gray area we are playing in.

 

[Applicant2026]

Hi, No eligibility didn't passed I just called IRCC they said it marked as under review, But I have read so many scary stories around when they mark review required. So I am bit worried.

I did a bachelors from Indian University, and Got 3 years equivalent on WES. Concurrently I have 3 years of full time work experience while I was studying remote but I was only spending 15 hours or less. So just wondering if officer will not disqualify my Canadian Experience. I know this is gray area we are playing in.

Hi, I completely understand your concern about the “review required” status.

May I kindly ask — for your bachelor’s from India, does your enrollment letter mention whether it was part-time or full-time study mode?

 

[dopeircc]

Hi, I completely understand your concern about the “review required” status.

May I kindly ask — for your bachelor’s from India, does your enrollment letter mention whether it was part-time or full-time study mode?

No, In India they don't measure the course delivery in terms of hours but, They would explicitly mentioned it is async/correspondence course. However in LOE we have explained I was not required to be physically present in India during any exams or lectures. I am praying hard that if they have any concerns please reach out to me and give a chance to explain my point. Making good dollars this was just for me to upscale otherwise without the degree points I am still having good CRS score. Sometimes I would think, myself I have hammered my life while doing nothing wrong.

 

[Applicant2026]

No, In India they don't measure the course delivery in terms of hours but, They would explicitly mentioned it is async/correspondence course. However in LOE we have explained I was not required to be physically present in India during any exams or lectures. I am praying hard that if they have any concerns please reach out to me and give a chance to explain my point. Making good dollars this was just for me to upscale otherwise without the degree points I am still having good CRS score. Sometimes I would think, myself I have hammered my life while doing nothing wrong.

If you’ve already explained everything clearly in your LOE and provided the correct details, then there’s nothing more you can do right now. At this stage, just try not to worry — the officer will review your case, and if they need any clarification, they will reach out to you.

Stay positive, you’re already in a strong position, and hopefully you’ll receive good news soon.

 

[jatt1]

Hi, No eligibility didn't passed I just called IRCC they said it marked as under review, But I have read so many scary stories around when they mark review required. So I am bit worried.

I did a bachelors from Indian University, and Got 3 years equivalent on WES. Concurrently I have 3 years of full time work experience while I was studying remote but I was only spending 15 hours or less. So just wondering if officer will not disqualify my Canadian Experience. I know this is gray area we are playing in.

Hi,
If you completed your degree from India and your studies were fully remote, there should be no issues. Regardless of the number of hours studied, it is still considered an online degree. The status ‘under review’ is standard while your file, including eligibility, is being assessed—so there’s no need to worry.


If you don’t mind sharing the university name, we can check what they mention about study hours or whether the program is part-time or full-time. I am also currently studying from India, and under UGC guidelines, we only need to attend at least one hour in a fortnight to maintain attendance.