Should I take a break from my studies in Canada or apply for the Destitute Student Open Work Permit?

If you are studying in Canada and a tragedy—such as an earthquake, a tsunami, a war, or something else—has occurred in your home country, don't give up on your studies so quickly. 

First, explore the options available for temporarily putting your studies on hold!

The tragedy caused in Venezuela by the earthquakes of June 24, 2026, shows us that many international students are dropping out of university or college because their affected family members can no longer afford to support them.

At first glance, this seems like a logical decision, but over time it leads to a waste of time, money, and even dreams.

In Canada, there is a special category called the Destitute Student Open Work Permit for students without financial resources, under which they may stop studying as long as they apply for an Open Work Permit linked to that category.

Although this article focuses on the Venezuelan community, the content applies to any international student from any country facing the same circumstances of collective tragedy. 

Read to the end to find out what you need to take advantage of the Destitute Student Open Work Permit while your studies are on hold due to the pandemic.

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What is the Destitute Student Open Work Permit?

In Canada, a Destitute Student is not a degree program per se, but rather an official immigration assistance category for students who have become financially vulnerable.

The Destitute Student program allows international students facing serious and unforeseen financial difficulties (due to wars, natural disasters, or economic crises in their home country) to apply for an Open Work Permit. 

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Open Work Permit: Benefits

An open work permit is an immigration document (very common in Canada) that allows you to work for almost any employer in the country.

Unlike closed work permits, it does not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a specific job offer to apply for it.

This permit gives you the freedom to work in any province and for any employer, and there are no fees charged by the Canadian government.

The goal is to help the student get back on his or her feet financially so that he or she can continue his or her studies.

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What do you need to apply?

It must be verified that the individual met the requirements to be in Canada as a student (including a visa, study permit, and Letter of Acceptance), but that the person in Venezuela who was covering their educational expenses is no longer able to do so because they lost everything in the earthquake or, in the worst-case scenario, has passed away. 

The student must complete the forms and submit the supporting documentation to justify the request.

Some documents that may be helpful include: 

• Evidence of damage to property—whether a residence or a business—belonging to the person responsible for covering the expenses.
• A medical certificate stating that the dependent is unable to perform his or her support duties. 
• Death certificate of the student's dependent.

Dropping out of school is not the first option, and it is against the law

According to Canada's official immigration laws and regulations, dropping out of school without prior authorization constitutes a violation of the conditions of stay; doing so revokes the student's immigration status and may lead to deportation. 

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Recommendations for Organizing Your Application

Before making hasty decisions about your educational journey:

• Assess your financial situation. Remember that there are scholarship and financial aid programs available at your institution that you can look into.
• Gather additional documentation and records that demonstrate your family members' inability to continue paying for your education. This includes medical conditions, financial losses, and death certificates for those responsible for your support and tuition payments, among other things.

If you have questions about how to present your case, seek expert advice and have a clear summary of your situation on hand so that the advisor can guide you in drafting a detailed explanatory letter.

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Do you know an international student who is going through a traumatic experience? It doesn't matter if they're from Venezuela or another country—the law applies equally to anyone affected. 

Please help us spread the word and share this blog with anyone who might need it—this might be the best way to find a solution to your problem.

At Immiland Canada, we're here to guide you and help you navigate the application process. If you have any questions, please fill out the form, and we'll be happy to assist you.

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With love.

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Immiland Canada