Doing courses while on an open work permit?
 

I have tried looking on the CIC website for info but haven't been able to find anything so was hoping one of the regulars would know the answer:

I have a spousal open work permit. Can I do courses such as those offered by the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society or do I have to swap over to a study permit to do this?

Thanks in advance!

Re: Doing courses while on an open work permit?
 

as far as i know no. it says on your permit.no study? well mine does.

good luck

Re: Doing courses while on an open work permit?
 

I could study on mine in BC - BUT i would have had to pay international student fees!

Re: Doing courses while on an open work permit?
 

Thanks for the answers.

I'm confused, the actual permit says: "Unless authorised, prohibited from attending any educational institution and taking any academic, professional or vocational training course".

I queried this at the POE and was told that NCA challenge exams were fine, presumably because it isn't through any educational institution. So I just need to find out whether the Society courses fall within the scope of the prohibition.

Re: Doing courses while on an open work permit?
 

I think ( only think ) that you can attend a course for a max of 6 months, after that you need a study permit.
I have a friend who is doing that and she called CIC to inquire.
But please don't quote me on that.

Re: Doing courses while on an open work permit?
 

5.11. Short-term courses
Foreign nationals may enter Canada or remain in Canada without a study permit to attend a course or program of studies of six months’ duration or less [R188(1)(c)]. This six-month criterion helps to facilitate easy access to short-term courses, regardless of their subject matter. The course or program of study should be completed within the period (normally six months) authorized upon entry.
R188 - Explanatory notes
There are other courses offered by institutions in Canada that do not constitute academic, professional or vocational training. Such courses could be "interest courses", such as those offered by local school boards in continuing Education, or "hobby courses", "self improvement", and "life skills" courses and which could range from flower arranging to cake decorating, auto mechanics, and typing. Although some of the skills learned at those courses might prove to be potentially useful in the workplace, they are not primarily directed towards career training. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act does not require an SP for these courses, which are short term, non-credit, general interest courses because they are not "academic, professional or vocational training" courses. Unlike professional or vocational training, these courses are generally characterized by a lack of a formal curriculum, no formal examination and no official credit towards a degree or diploma.

Re: Doing courses while on an open work permit?
 

Anecdotally, I have certainly 'attended' CPD courses that could easily be stretched into such a broad exceptional category; I am sure an lawyer worth their salt could do the same ;)

Re: Doing courses while on an open work permit?
 

What about an online course with a UK-based instituation? It would be work-related.

Re: Doing courses while on an open work permit?
 

The answer is Yes you can take it as the course is online and administered from the UK. Briefly put if you register and attend a CANADIAN Uni or post secondary facility then you require a Study Permit unless exempted under Reg 188.

Re: Doing courses while on an open work permit?
 

Many thanks. This sounds very optimistic.