Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new temporary public policy that gives eligible work permit holders in Canada more flexibility to pursue short-term studies without obtaining a separate study permit.
The new measure took effect on September 4, 2026 and is currently scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027, unless it is revoked earlier.
Who Is Eligible?
Under the new public policy, a foreign national may be eligible to study without a study permit if they hold a valid Canadian work permit.
IRCC has begun notifying eligible work permit holders directly. Individuals who receive an eligibility notice from IRCC do not need to submit a separate application to benefit from the measure.
What Kind of Studies Are Permitted?
Eligible work permit holders may pursue a course or program of study that is 6 months or less in duration without first obtaining a study permit.
This could provide greater flexibility for temporary workers who wish to complete short-term education or training, upgrade their skills, obtain professional or licensing-related training, or pursue other short-term learning opportunities while working in Canada.
The authorization to study under this public policy is valid only until the earliest of:
- the expiry date of the individual's work permit;
- the expiry of the public policy on December 31, 2027; or
- the date the public policy is revoked, if it is revoked earlier.
If the work permit expires, the individual is no longer authorized to study under this particular public policy simply because they have maintained status while waiting for another work permit decision.
Why Was This New Policy Introduced?
Normally, section 188(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations allows a foreign national to complete a course or program of 6 months or less without a study permit, provided the studies can be completed within the period of stay that was authorized when the person entered Canada.
This created an issue for some individuals who later received a new or extended work permit from inside Canada.
The new temporary public policy removes that particular restriction for eligible valid work permit holders, allowing them to undertake qualifying short-term studies during the validity of their current work permit.
What If the Program Is Longer Than 6 Months?
The new policy does not eliminate the study permit requirement for longer programs.
If a course or program is longer than 6 months, the individual must generally apply for and obtain a study permit before undertaking those studies.
IRCC's September 9, 2026 announcement also states that full-time studies will still require a study permit. Anyone considering full-time studies should therefore confirm their immigration requirements before enrolling.
Keep Your IRCC Eligibility Notice
IRCC is sending notices to individuals it has identified as eligible for this measure.
If you receive one of these notices, keep a copy for your records. An educational institution may ask to see the notice as confirmation that IRCC has informed you of your eligibility to study without a study permit.
Planning to Study While Holding a Work Permit?
Although this new measure creates useful flexibility for temporary workers, studying while working in Canada can have implications for future immigration applications, depending on the type and length of study and your immigration goals.
Before enrolling in a program, it is important to confirm that your proposed studies fall within the study permit exemption and consider whether studying may affect a future permanent residence or other immigration application.
How H&K Immigration Can Help
At H&K Immigration Consulting Services Inc., we help you understand whether you may be eligible to study in Canada without a study permit under the new temporary public policy. We review your current work permit, proposed course or program, study duration, immigration status, and future immigration goals so you can make an informed decision before enrolling.
If you are not sure whether your planned studies qualify for the study permit exemption, a consultation can help you understand where you stand and whether a study permit may still be required.
Planning to study in Canada while holding a work permit? Book a consultation with H&K Immigration Consulting Services Inc. and get clear guidance before you enroll.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies and program requirements may change without notice.
