Online Bachelor's Degree

[missy123]

im a protected person in canada,awaiting my PR.I work full time so i cant go to school and i dont want to lose my job.I am thinking of applying for online bachelor’s degree and wanted to ask if i need a study permit for that.thanks

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You can find some information regarding this on the CIC Website in the Student permits: Who needs a study permit section.

Here is an excerpt,

When a study permit is required
Foreign nationals are required to obtain a study permit for engaging in academic, professional, vocational or other education or training that is more than six months in duration at a designated learning institution in Canada.

The following activities are not considered studies and do not require a study permit:

-pre-school (pre-kindergarten);
-courses of general interest or self-improvement;
-distance learning; or
-audited courses (typically by sitting in on an academic course, but without obtaining credit for it, or having the ability to obtain credit for it retroactively).

You can also find some information regarding this on the CIC Website in the Study permits: Other considerations section.

Here is an excerpt,

Distance learning
Distance learning can be through e-learning, correspondence, or internet courses. Distance learning is a process by which technology is used in ways where the student does not have to physically be in the place where the teaching is taking place.

Since by definition distance learning does not require one to be in Canada, a study permit cannot be issued for this type of course. For example, if a foreign national authorized to work in Canada is prohibited from engaging in studies as per a condition of their work permit, they are allowed to engage in distance learning courses.

However, some distance learning courses include an in-Canada portion to the program (e.g., special tutorials or the writing of final exams). If the overall course of study is greater than six months, then the student requires a study permit for the in-Canada portion of the program, even if the in-Canada portion is less than six months. The duration of the study permit should be for the duration of the in-Canada portion only.

You may want to contact the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Call Centre directly for some additional information.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org