+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

Pehhlumi

Member
Oct 18, 2025
10
0
I’ve been in Canada since 2022 and received my Notice of Decision as a protected person in December 2022. I started school in Fall 2023 but didn’t know I needed a study permit since my school never asked for one.


Recently (October 2025), my school told me I must have a study permit to continue studying, so I applied from inside Canada right away using form IMM5709. My application was submitted on October 15, 2025, and it’s now being processed by IRCC.


I’m just worried if IRCC might punish me for studying without a permit before now, even though it was an honest mistake and I’ve always had legal status as a protected person.
 
Well you weren't allowed to start to study without a permit so yes, it can be an issue. Assume you stopped studying because you aren't allowed to legally study. You wait for response. You can check processing times.
 
But the school allowed me to study all this while ,I didn’t know I needed a study permit
Will be application be rejected
But you are studying illegally so doesn't matter if school is letting you. Nothing to do with school but government and IRCC. What school are you attending.
 
Do you know how long it’s take to get it
Cause I know the processing time say 8weeks
Did you get yours before then
Cause my application now says in progress
 
I’ve been in Canada since 2022 and received my Notice of Decision as a protected person in December 2022. I started school in Fall 2023 but didn’t know I needed a study permit since my school never asked for one.


Recently (October 2025), my school told me I must have a study permit to continue studying, so I applied from inside Canada right away using form IMM5709. My application was submitted on October 15, 2025, and it’s now being processed by IRCC.


I’m just worried if IRCC might punish me for studying without a permit before now, even though it was an honest mistake and I’ve always had legal status as a protected person.
Do you have your work permit with you? It clearly states:

“Unless authorized, prohibited from attending any educational institution or taking any academic, professional, or vocational training course.”

As for how long IRCC takes, it can range from a few weeks up to four months.

To expedite the procedure, I’d recommend getting in touch with your local MP’s office. Explain the situation (without placing blame on the school) and mention that it was an oversight or an honest mistake.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mancini
Do you have your work permit with you? It clearly states:

“Unless authorized, prohibited from attending any educational institution or taking any academic, professional, or vocational training course.”

As for how long IRCC takes, it can range from a few weeks up to four months.

To expedite the procedure, I’d recommend getting in touch with your local MP’s office. Explain the situation (without placing blame on the school) and mention that it was an oversight or an honest mistake.
OP applied only 3 days ago so within normal processing times for MP to get involved.
 
The work permit clearly states that you are NOT allowed to study without a permit :(

It is sad. You got the NOD in Dec 2022 and not yet PR? :(

Hopefully IRCC will look at this positively, that you are trying to advance your knowledge, that you are not doing any harm to anyone..

Good Luck.