Some foreign workers can now study in Canada without applying for a study permit.
On September 9, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced a new temporary measure. It allows eligible work permit holders to study for up to six months.
The policy took effect on September 4, 2026. It is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027. However, the government may revoke it earlier.
This change may help workers complete short courses, licensing programs or job-related training while working in Canada.
What Changed in September 2026?
The new IRCC public policy was signed on August 5, 2026. It came into effect 30 days later.
Under the policy, a foreign national may study without a study permit if:
- They hold a valid Canadian work permit.
- Their course or program is six months or shorter.
- Their work permit remains valid during their studies.
The study authorization ends when the work permit expires or the policy ends. The earlier date will apply.
Is This an Extension of the Previous Policy?
It continues a similar idea, but it is not a simple extension.
The earlier public policy ran from June 27, 2023, to June 27, 2026. Eligibility depended on applying for a work permit by June 7, 2023.
The new policy does not use that application cut-off date. Instead, the worker must hold a valid work permit.
However, the new policy is narrower in another way. The course or program cannot exceed six months.
What Programs Can Workers Take?
Eligible workers may use the measure for short-term education or training. Examples may include:
- Professional licensing courses
- Trade certification programs
- Healthcare training
- Language or technical courses
- Workplace skills development
- Short college or career programs
IRCC has highlighted tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians as potential beneficiaries. However, the measure is not limited to those occupations.
Do You Need an Approval Letter From IRCC?
IRCC plans to notify eligible work permit holders. However, its detailed instructions for workers state that a valid work permit can prove eligibility.
A school may ask to see the permit before allowing registration.
Can You Continue Working While Studying?
Your work authorization remains subject to your work permit.
You may need to reduce your working hours to attend classes. Any employment-contract changes should be discussed with your employer.
The policy only removes qualifying study restrictions. It does not remove other work permit conditions.
Can You Study Full-Time?
This issue requires caution.
IRCC’s September 9 announcement says full-time studies still require a study permit. However, IRCC’s detailed instructions also discuss full-time study under the public policy.
These two pages are not perfectly aligned. Workers planning full-time studies should obtain advice before enrolling.
IRCC also warns that work experience gained during full-time studies will not count toward:
- Canadian Experience Class eligibility
- Canadian work experience points under Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System
This rule could affect a worker’s permanent residence strategy.
What About Workers in Quebec?
Eligible work permit holders can also use the policy in Quebec.
They do not need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate for qualifying studies. Quebec’s temporary CAQ exemption also took effect on September 4, 2026.
What If the Program Includes a Co-op Placement?
A new work permit may be required for a co-op placement.
This may apply when the co-op employer or occupation differs from the worker’s current authorization. Open work permit holders generally do not need another work permit.
The placement should be reviewed before it begins.
When Is a Study Permit Still Required?
A study permit may be needed when:
- The program is longer than six months.
- The work permit will expire before the studies finish.
- Full-time study is planned.
- The person does not hold a valid work permit.
- A co-op placement is not covered by the existing work authorization.
Workers should not divide a longer program into shorter periods to avoid study permit requirements.
Does This Create a New Immigration Pathway?
No. The policy does not create a new pathway to enter Canada.
It also does not guarantee permanent residence. Training may support career development, but immigration eligibility remains separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in Canada with a work permit?
You may study without a study permit if your work permit is valid and the program is no longer than six months.
How long can I study without a study permit?
You can study for up to six months or until your work permit expires, whichever happens first.
Does the policy apply to programs longer than six months?
No. A study permit will normally be required for a longer program.
Do workers in Quebec need a CAQ?
Eligible workers do not need a CAQ for studies covered by this temporary measure.
Will my work experience still count for Express Entry?
Work experience gained while studying full-time under the policy will not count for Canadian Experience Class eligibility or Canadian work experience CRS points.
Final Takeaway
The new policy gives work permit holders more flexibility to complete short-term studies in Canada. However, workers must consider program length, permit expiry, study intensity and future permanent residence plans.
Before enrolling, review how the course may affect your work authorization and immigration strategy.
Contact Visaserve Immigration Law P.C. at info@visaserve.ca or call 905-203-2266. You can also schedule a consultation with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer.
