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Study & studentsEffectiveMedium impactVerified

Canada Temporarily Allows Work Permit Holders to Study Without a Study Permit for Short Durations

🇨🇦 CanadaWork Permits1 recorded versionLast change 11 Sept 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

Under the temporary measure, eligible work permit holders already in Canada can study for up to 6 months without a study permit, or until their work permit expires, whichever comes first. The measure is intended to allow workers to pursue short-term licensing, education or training opportunities while continuing to work. Full-time studies still require a study permit. The measure remains in effect until 31 December 2027.

Overview

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a temporary measure, effective until 31 December 2027, permitting eligible work permit holders in Canada to study for up to six months or until their current work permit expires, whichever comes first, without needing a study permit. This change, announced on 9 September 2026, aims to remove an administrative barrier for workers pursuing short-term licensing, education, or training, thereby supporting economic growth and skill development in key sectors across Canada.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Eligible temporary foreign workers who have a valid work permit
  • Workers who want to take eligible courses in Canada without getting a separate study permit
  • Employers and workers who want to combine working with extra education or training
  • Workers who want to gain more qualifications or skills while staying in Canada

What changed in the latest version

Before

Under Canada's old rules, people from other countries generally need a study permit to study in Canada. There are some exceptions. For example, a person can usually study without a study permit if the course is six months or less. Also, they must finish the course while they are allowed to stay in Canada. The new rule does not create the ability to study for six months for the first time. Instead, it offers a specific temporary option for eligible work permit holders. It gives them more flexibility for short-term study, licensing, education, and training.

After

Under the temporary rule, eligible people with a work permit who are already in Canada can study for up to six months without a study permit. Or, they can study until their work permit ends, whichever happens first. This rule lets workers take short-term licensing, education, or training courses while they keep working. People still need a study permit for full-time studies. The rule will stay in place until 31 December 2027.

This policy change is important for people with work permits in Canada. It gives them more freedom to develop their skills and improve their education. They will not face the previous administrative steps of applying for a study permit. This means people like tradespeople, nurses, and laboratory technicians can gain new skills or certifications. This will help them contribute more to key sectors and public services. Employers might benefit from a temporary workforce with better skills. People who delayed short-term studies because they needed a study permit can now start them. This could help sectors like home building and nation-building projects.

Explained simply

Imagine you're working in Canada with a special pass, and you want to take a short course to get better at your job, like learning a new skill for building houses or becoming a better nurse. Before, you usually needed to get another special pass just to study. Now, for a little while, if your course is six months or less, you don't need that extra pass. It's like your current work pass also lets you go to school for a bit, making it easier to learn new things and help out more, but only until the end of 2027.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v1Effective 9 Sept 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    Canada Temporarily Allows Work Permit Holders to Study Without a Study Permit for Short Durations

    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has started a temporary rule. It lets eligible people who have a work permit and are already in Canada study for up to six months. They do not need a separate study permit. This rule removes an administrative step for workers who want short-term licensing, education, or training. The rule is valid until 31 December 2027. This policy helps Canada's economy grow and fills job gaps. It allows temporary workers to learn needed skills while they keep working. People still need a study permit for full-time studies.

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