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

taking ESL classes

M

malcesine

Full Member
Oct 31, 2008
38
0
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?
 
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.
 
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?
 
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 said:
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?
Click to expand...


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.
 
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?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.