Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy that lets eligible foreign workers pursue short-term studies of up to six months without needing a separate study permit.
The measure, effective from September 4, 2026, and running until December 31, 2027, aims to help temporary foreign workers already in Canada upgrade skills, complete licensing requirements, or take training programs while continuing to work.
IRCC specifically highlighted three occupational groups expected to benefit most: tradespeople, nurses, and laboratory technicians.
These roles often require short-term licensing courses, certification programs, or continuing education to meet Canadian professional standards. Removing the study permit step reduces delays and administrative costs for these foreign workers who are willing to learn in Canada.
IRCC explained that this measure to allow foreign workers to learn in Canada without a separate work permit does not create a new immigration pathway or change work permit conditions related to employment.
It is designed to maximize the contributions of temporary workers already in the country, supporting economic growth, public services, and sectors facing labour shortages such as healthcare, skilled trades, and related technical roles. Full-time studies longer than six months still require a standard study permit.
For tradespeople needing Red Seal preparation, certification upgrades, or safety training; nurses pursuing bridging or licensing courses; and laboratory technicians completing required technical or continuing education programs, the change removes a common bureaucratic barrier. Workers can enrol more quickly in relevant short courses without the time and cost of a separate study permit application.
Below is a statement issued by the IRCC;
Who’s eligible
You may be eligible to study without a study permit for 6 months or less while you work.
To be eligible
- you must hold a valid work permit
- your study program must be 6 months or less in length
If your work permit is valid, you’re authorized to study for 6 months or less or until your work permit expires, whichever comes first. You can study full-time or part-time under this temporary public policy.
Work permit conditions
Normally, you must meet the conditions of your work permit. Under this temporary measure, you don’t have to meet any conditions on your work permit that are related to studying.
It’s your responsibility to agree with your employer if you want to change any of the conditions of your employment contract. For example, to study, you may need to work fewer hours than the number listed on your employment contract.
How to prove you’re eligible to study without a study permit
The learning institution where you plan to study may ask you to prove you’re eligible to study without a study permit.
If they request this proof, you must provide your valid work permit.
If you want to start a co-op work placement
If you also want to start a co-op work placement while you’re studying without a study permit, you may need to apply for a new employer-specific work permit before your co-op placement starts.
You need a new work permit only if your co-op employer or occupation is different from your current employer or occupation. The conditions on your new work permit must match your new co‑op employer or occupation. In this case, you’ll hold 2 valid work permits at the same time:
- the original work permit that you used to apply for this temporary public policy
- a second work permit authorizing you to complete your co-op placement
Open work permit holders don’t need to apply for a new work permit.
If you study full-time
If you’re studying full-time under this temporary public policy, any work experience you gain during your studies won’t count toward your
- eligibility for the Canada experience class
- Canadian work experience points under Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System
