Programs with Online Components

International students are advised to read this information to help them determine whether the online or blended program they are interested in applying to is a good fit.

Programs designed to be delivered fully online are not eligible under the study permit program or the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.

Certain blended programs may be eligible for a study permit but don't qualify the student to work off campus during their study or after their program completion (PGWP). Other blended programs qualify for both a study permit and a PGWP.

Blended Programs & Immigration implications to Study Permit (SP):

  • Blended programs shorter than 6 months:
    • SP is not required. Student can apply to enter Canada as a visitor to complete the in-person component.
  • Blended programs longer than 6 months:
    • SP is required even if the in-person component is less than 6 months
    • SP duration is determined by the duration of the in-Canada component only (and not the full length of program)

Click here for more information.

Blended Programs & Immigration implications to Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

  • Blended full-time programs where the online component is less than 50%  and the total length of the program is at least 8 months: 
    • Online component completed while outside Canada: 
      • PGWP eligibility & length is determined by the length of the in-person in-Canada component only 
    • Online component completed while inside Canada:  
      • PGWP eligibility & length is determined by the length of the full program (including the online component)
  • Blended programs where the online component is over 50% of the total program (regardless of in-person component length):
    • are not eligible for the PGWP

Note: these regulations apply to programs designed to be delivered partially or fully online, regardless of COVID. The special temporary COVID measures which IRCC put in place due to institutions moving to online delivery as a public health measure don't apply to these programs.

For more information about "Distance Learning" and PGWP eligibility, visit the following IRCC websites: