A foreign national with a study and work permit at the same time is a possible situation in Canada. However, they must fulfill the eligibility requirements of both permits separately. Both these work permits have their own set of distinct requirements for a person to be eligible. In addition, while submitting applications for work and study permits simultaneously, applicants must justify their ability to study and work together before the officer.
IRCC confirms that they can convince the officer by attaching a letter of explanation. This explanation letter must provide an overview of the process through which you will manage your studies and work at the same time.
Please note that digital applicants must submit their letter of explanation in the document checklist’s client information section.
A foreign national with a study and work permit at the same time – Chief factors for dual permit holders
Despite the possibility of holding two permits at the same time, certain foreign nationals can choose to study in Canada without possessing a study permit, while they might be work permit holders. Furthermore, showing two permits at once might influence a newcomer’s eligibility for different programs, such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Foreign national workers with permission to study in Canada without holding a study permit
Certain Canadian work permit holders might have permission to study in the country without showing a study permit. This is possible in the following situations:
- They possess a valid study permit provided to them before June 7, 2023.
- They received a work authorization letter to work while their permit processing takes place on or before June 7, 2023.
IRCC states that even individuals waiting for their work permit decision can benefit from this letter.
The potential effect on their eligibility for different programs
Permanent Residence
Certain Canadian work permit holders might have permission to study in the country without showing a study permit. This is possible in the following situations:
- They possess a valid study permit provided to them before June 7, 2023.
- They received a work authorization letter to work while their permit processing takes place on or before June 7, 2023.
IRCC states that even individuals waiting for their work permit decision can benefit from this letter.
The potential effect on their eligibility for different programs
Permanent Residence
Candidates who have the ultimate goal of applying for permanent residence must remember that if they gain work experience while also having a study permit, it won’t count for the work experience requirements of a majority of PR programs. However, you might exclude the eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program for the above statement. In fact, the Express Entry programs don’t acknowledge the work experience gained toward their CRS score during a student’s full-time study period.
IRCC considers the Comprehensive Ranking System to be an essential tool to evaluate candidates and rank them before sending ITAs in an Express Entry draw.
However, FSWP often permits applicants, based on conditions, to use their acquired work experience while having a study permit to fulfill the program’s basic eligibility requirements. This is not the case with candidates under the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
One must also understand that there is a stark difference between the minimum eligibility points and CRS scores. The above type of work experience might help a candidate boost their minimum eligibility points. However, it will not increase their CRS scores.
An applicant who seeks to add their work experience under the FSWP minimum requirements must include the following type of work:
- Their work must be paid full-time or part-time by wages or commissions;
- Continuous type of work for a minimum of one year, without any interruptions;
- Fulfill all the program requirements.
PGWP
International students who look forward to applying for a PGWP after their study completion must fulfill all eligibility requirements of the program if they are holders of the study and work permit at once.
Essentially, dual permit holders must ensure they hold on to their full-time student status during all academic sessions, even if they are working.
Conclusion
A dual permit holder might have to face complications while trying to fulfill the distinct eligibility conditions of both programs. Additionally, they might find it hard to create a letter of explanation to justify their ability to balance both work and studies at the same time. However, those who seek to possess both study and work permits can connect with an immigration lawyer to simplify this process.
Regulated immigration professionals have the ability to assist newcomers in the following ways:
- Filling out complete and accurate applications.
- Ensuring that they don’t end up making blunders during the permit process.
Do you have any general queries or concerns regarding the work or study permit process? Let our expert guides at Make Home Canada help you get all the answers. We are just a call away; stay connected at 1-800-979-0509 or simply email your concerns to [email protected].
