Success Story: A Study Permit Approved Despite Unauthorized Studies

Every now and then, a file crosses our desk that challenges the assumptions we hold about what IRCC will or will not accept. This case was one of those. At first glance, it looked like a file that could easily be refused. But beneath the surface, it revealed something else: a genuine mistake, a strong profile, and an applicant who respected the rules once they were made clear.

This post is for those of you navigating the fine print of Canadian immigration—especially individuals already in Canada on a work permit who are thinking of transitioning into a study program. The lesson is simple: know the conditions on your permit, and don’t assume eligibility based on what seems fair or logical.

Background: A Teacher, A Passion, A Misstep

Our client is a seasoned educator with more than 30 years of experience teaching English and special education. Her recent work has focused on supporting children with autism in public schools. After arriving in Canada with her spouse under the Temporary Public Policy that allowed certain visitors to obtain work permits, she decided to pursue formal training in autism and behavioural science—a field she had been practicing in, informally, for years.

She applied to and was accepted by a recognized Ontario college’s postgraduate Autism and Behavioural Science program. Motivated by her personal connection to autism and her professional background, she began attending classes in early 2025. However, her open work permit carried a restriction: she was not authorized to engage in academic studies without a study permit.

She wasn’t aware of this restriction. Nor, frankly, was she warned by the college during the enrolment process. It was only when she consulted with us at Blacksy that we reviewed her permit and pointed out the issue. By then, she had already been attending classes for a month and a half.

The Immediate Response: Stop, Withdraw, Reassess

Once the issue was clear, the applicant acted immediately. She contacted the college, withdrew from her classes, and obtained written confirmation of her withdrawal. She also deferred her admission to a later intake. Importantly, she stopped studying altogether and waited for her study permit to be approved before taking any further steps.

This response matters. While the study she engaged in was unauthorized, her swift action helped show the officer that the violation was unintentional and that she was fully prepared to abide by Canadian immigration laws going forward. We made sure to explain all of this thoroughly in the submission letter.

The Core of the Application: Transparency and a Strong Foundation

In our submission, we didn’t try to hide what happened. That would have been a serious mistake. We acknowledged the unauthorized study period directly and explained how it occurred: a misunderstanding rooted in unclear communication and lack of institutional guidance.

But we didn’t stop there. The rest of the application was about showing why the applicant was, overall, a very strong candidate:

• Academic background: She had a long-standing career in education, including special education. Her resume reflected genuine commitment, not opportunism.

  
  

• Volunteering in Canada: She had already been volunteering in her field of interest, demonstrating alignment between her intended studies and her activities on the ground.

  
  

• Program fit: The program wasn’t a random choice. It was highly relevant to her background and future goals.

  
  

• Financial capability: Both she and her spouse held work permits and were earning income in Canada. They had enough funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

  
  

• Ties to her home country: Her job back home was on hold, and her family connections remained intact. There was even interest from local institutions in hiring her post-graduation.

  
  

• Legal status: Apart from the brief unauthorized study period, she had valid temporary resident status and a clean record.

We cited all these points clearly, backed with supporting documents—employment records, withdrawal confirmation, admission and deferral letters, proof of funds, proof of ties to home country, and more.

IRCC’s Decision: Approved

The study permit was approved. We believe this outcome hinged on a few key things:

1. We were honest about the mistake.

2. We explained it well and showed the corrective steps taken.

3. The overall application was strong.

4. The intent behind the study was clear and tied to long-term goals.

It’s easy to panic when you realize you’ve made a mistake on your immigration journey. But this case shows that not all errors are fatal. What matters is how you respond—and whether you can show that your overall conduct aligns with the integrity and expectations of Canadian immigration laws.

Final Takeaways

• If you’re on a work permit, read the conditions. Some permits prohibit study. It doesn’t matter if it seems unfair—it matters what the law says (although this matter is a bit controversial. One perspective claims that studies less than 6 months can be pursued while holding a valid a work permit).

  
  

• If you’ve already engaged in unauthorized study, stop immediately and get legal advice.

  
  

• Don’t hide it in your study permit application. Explain it honestly and clearly.

  
  

• Prepare a solid application with documents that speak to your genuine intent, financial stability, program fit, and ties to your home country.

At Blacksy, we aim to be honest with our clients about what can be done and what can’t. This case could have gone the other way, but it didn’t—because the applicant did the right thing, and because her story, when told properly, showed she belonged in that classroom.

This isn’t just a success story. It’s a reminder that immigration is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about telling the truth, taking responsibility, and demonstrating that you deserve the opportunity you’re asking for.

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About the Author

I’m Ahmet Faruk Ocak, a Canadian immigration lawyer and the founder of Blacksy Immigration Law Firm 🌊. 

At Blacksy, we specialize in providing honest, straightforward, and tailored immigration solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide. Our brand promise is simple: no unnecessary fuss, no false hopes, and no empty promises—just realistic, reliable guidance to help you achieve your immigration goals.

Whether you’re expanding your business to Canada, transferring top talent, or planning your future here, we’re here to guide you with precision, transparency, and care.

Visit us at www.blacksyimmigration.com to learn more or to start your journey.