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Jun 11, 2017
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Study Permit with a twist!

Good day ladies and gentlemen. I have a scenario that I believe the pros on this forum will find interesting.
I am an adult Jamaican who is currently enrolled in a short course (18 weeks) at Yorkdale Adult Learning Centre and Secondary School in Toronto. This ECA course is a pre-requisite for acceptance into Seneca ECE Diploma course.
I do not have nor require a study permit for the ECA course as the time-frame falls within the limits of my authorized stay in Canada. I am a visitor from a country that requires me to have a TRV to travel to Canada. I am legally here and have not overstayed my time (6 months).
Here is the interesting bit: I want to continue to be enrolled in Yorkdale Adult High to complete another pre-requisite course. TDSB has given me a letter of acceptance to begin Grade 12 in September to do it. Can I successfully apply for an Initial Study Permit from within Canada to do so?
According to Guide 5552 I can.
1.“Persons studying at pre-school, primary or secondary level”
2. “Persons who have completed a short-term course or program of study that is a prerequisite
to their enrolling at a DLI”


Here is the rub:

1. Does “person” mean anyone? Does it mean “minor”?

2. Is Adult High school classified as “secondary level”?

3. Yorkdale Adult High is a DLI. Important information:
All primary and secondary institutions in Canada are automatically designated and do not appear on
the DLI List.


Does that mean I can apply from within Canada for a Study Permit to continue?

Questions, questions, questions. So much gray area!
 
Last edited:
You need a study permit to study at the grade 12 level since you are not a minor.

Your study permit cannot be processed within Canada and will have to be sent to a visa office outside of Canada. Your options are to send it to the visa office responsible for your home country or to have it processed by a visa office in the US.
 
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You need a study permit to study at the grade 12 level since you are not a minor.

Your study permit cannot be processed within Canada and will have to be sent to a visa office outside of Canada. Your options are to send it to the visa office responsible for your home country or to have it processed by a visa office in the US.

Thank you for replying so speedily.
Could I send my documents by mail to Jamaica and let my immigration attorney handle it, or will I have to return as well?
 
You can remain in Canada and send your documents outside of Canada. Keep in mind that you will have to send your passport so that it can be stamped if your visa is approved. Note that it is typically more difficult to be approved if you are already physically in Canada since it's more difficult to demonstrate ties to your home country.
 
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You can remain in Canada and send your documents outside of Canada. Keep in mind that you will have to send your passport so that it can be stamped if your visa is approved. Note that it is typically more difficult to be approved if you are already physically in Canada since it's more difficult to demonstrate ties to your home country.
Well said. I didn't think of it like that. My current course finishes at the end of June. The one that I need the permit for begins in September. Two months turnaround. What do you suggest?