Many newcomers from overseas may want to know the possibility of holding Canada’s study and work permit together. The quick answer is yes. It is possible for foreign individuals to hold both Canada’s study and work permits at the same time. For this, individuals from overseas must meet certain eligibility requirements to hold both Canada’s study and work permits simultaneously. 

Possibility of Holding Canada’s Study and Work Permit Together

In Canada, both study permits and work permits have different eligibility criteria and requirements. That is why individuals who want to have both permits simultaneously will have to meet the eligibility criteria for each Canadian permit individually.

If you are applying for both permits, you have to convince an immigration officer that you are able to pursue your studies and work concurrently. 

As per IRCC, you can convince an immigration officer through a letter of explanation, including it with your permit application.

This letter of explanation must highlight how you will manage both work and study simultaneously. 

For instance, you can add details on how you’ll manage your work and studies schedule.

If you intend to apply online for these permits, you can upload your letter of explanation in the Client information section of your document checklist.

Essential Things you must know if you are applying for dual permits in Canada

 In Canada, it’s feasible to apply and hold dual permits together. However, it’s notable that some foreign citizens may study in Canada without a study permit while having a work permit.

Also, if you have two permits at the same time, it can significantly influence your eligibility for other programs in Canada. For instance, Permanent residence, Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), or more.

Who is permitted to study without a study permit in Canada?

In Canada, some foreign nationals with a work permit may qualify to study in Canada without requiring a study permit. If they satisfy the following conditions:

  • If they hold a work permit that was issued on or before June 7, 2023
  • If they hold a work authorization letter on or before June 7, 2023, allowing them to work while their permit application is being processed

IRCC issues an authorization letter to individuals who are awaiting a decision on their work permit extension.

What is the potential impact on eligibility for other programs if you hold Canada’s study and work permits together?

The following will highlight the possible impacts on the eligibility of individuals for Canada’s Permanent Residence (PR) and PGWP.

Permanent Residence (PR)

If you would like to apply for Canadian permanent residency, work experience is a valuable eligibility criterion. However, as per IRCC, work experience obtained during the study period in Canada (while holding a study permit) does not count in the work experience requirement for PR programs.

One of the exceptions to the above condition is the Federal Skilled Worker Program’s (FSWP) eligibility.

All three programs are managed under Express Entry and do not consider the work experience gained by individuals while they are full-time students in Canada.

The FSWP, however, conditionally permits applicants to use Canadian work experience obtained while holding a study permit to satisfy the program’s minimal requirements and eligibility. This is in contrast to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP).

Note that the minimum eligibility points are different from CRS scores.

This type of work experience may increase minimum eligibility points, but it will not improve CRS scores.

To meet the basic qualifications for FSWP, an applicant’s work experience must satisfy the following conditions:

  • It must be a full-time or part-time work experience paid by wages or commissions
  • It must be continuous with no gaps in employment for a minimum of one year
  • It must satisfy all the other requirements of the FSWP program

PGWP

International students who want to apply for a PGWP in Canada must continue to satisfy all the necessary requirements of the PGWP program while having two permits together.

Notably, dual permit holders must ensure that they fulfill the full-time student status throughout the study period, even while working.

Things to consider for holding two permits in Canada

Now that you know the possibility of holding Canada’s study and work permit together, you must keep a few things in mind.

It’s notable that having two Canada study and work permits can be challenging. This is because both have different eligibility criteria. Also, it can be challenging to convince an immigration minister with a letter of explanation on how you will pursue both study and work cases simultaneously.

An immigration lawyer can be extremely useful if you are looking for assistance and guidance before obtaining two permits simultaneously. 

They can help such individuals with the following tasks:

  • Assisting newcomers to fully and accurately complete study and work permit applications
  • interacting with the Canadian government on behalf of the applicants
  • Ensuring that applicants avoid possible mistakes during the permit process