As International Student currently studying in Canada, Can I Apply for Work Permit Before I Complete My Program?

First, if you are applying for Student Visa without the intention of completing your program because your plan is find a work once you landed, our advise is not to proceed with your application. Please don't do it. 

Recently, we received inquiries from our readers about this subject. According to them, they talked to somebody in Canada and that they were told that they can actually continue to attend school and work part-time while waiting for the work permit. Another one even said that he talked to two consultants in Canada and said it is ok to do that. 

Is it true?

We'll let the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) do the talking here:

"If you were a student, but you’ve applied for a work permit instead, you can’t keep studying while you wait for a decision on your application. You also can’t work until we’ve approved your application. You can stay in Canada as a temporary resident until you get a decision on your application." - Source: IRCC

Now, you might be thinking that the solution is to apply for Visitor Record and then apply for a Work Permit. That is indeed the process. However, not everyone may apply for a Work Permit from Within Canada.  

Again, here's what Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)  is saying about the subject:

"Can I apply for a work permit from inside Canada?
Only in some cases. You can only apply for a work permit from inside Canada if:

• you, your spouse or parents have a valid study or work permit,

• you have a work permit for one job but want to apply for a work permit for a different job,

• you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more, or

• you are in Canada because you have already applied for permanent residence from inside Canada. You will have to pass certain stages in the main application process before you can be eligible for a work permit." Source: IRCC 

There simply is no short cut.

Sure, there could be a way to circumvent this rule. But then again, we are just telling you what is provided by the immigration rules. We at Canadian Immigration Consultancy plays by the rules and will not encourage applicants to game the system.