A new temporary measure from Canada allows eligible foreign workers already in the country to pursue short-term education and training without obtaining a separate study permit.
The Temporary public policy to allow foreign nationals with valid work permits to study without a study permit was signed on August 5, 2026, took effect 30 days later on September 4, 2026, and was officially announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on September 9, 2026.
The measure is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027, unless it is revoked earlier.
Under the policy, eligible foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit may study in Canada without a study permit for a course or program lasting 6 months or less, subject to the conditions of the policy and other applicable immigration requirements.
For temporary workers looking to upgrade their skills, pursue short-term training or work toward professional licensing, the measure could provide useful additional flexibility.
However, there are several important conditions to understand before enrolling.
What Has Changed?
Normally, paragraph 188(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) allows a foreign national to study without a study permit when the course or program is 6 months or less and can be completed within the period of stay authorized when the person entered Canada.
The new public policy, established under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), provides eligible work permit holders with an exemption from the requirement in IRPR 188(1)(c) that the course or program be completed within the period of stay originally authorized upon entry.
This is particularly relevant to workers whose authorized stay in Canada has changed since they originally entered the country.
Who Can Study Without a Study Permit?
The central eligibility condition under the new public policy is that the foreign national must hold a valid work permit.
In addition, the course or program of study must be 6 months or less in duration.
IRCC’s current guidance states that an eligible worker may study for:
Up to 6 months or until their work permit expires, whichever comes first.
Other applicable eligibility and admissibility requirements that are not specifically exempted by the public policy continue to apply.
How Long Can You Study?
The maximum program duration under this measure is 6 months.
However, your work permit must remain valid.
For example:
Scenario 1
You have a valid work permit for another 10 months and want to take a 4-month eligible course.
You may potentially qualify under the policy, subject to the other applicable requirements.
Scenario 2
You have a valid work permit for another 8 months and want to take a 6-month eligible course.
You may potentially qualify under the policy, subject to the other applicable requirements.
Scenario 3
Your work permit expires in 3 months and you want to enrol in a 6-month course.
You should not assume that the policy allows you to study for the entire 6 months. Your authorization under this public policy cannot simply continue beyond the expiry of the qualifying work permit.
The practical point is:
Valid work permit + program of 6 months or less + work permit remaining valid = key requirements.
What About Full-Time Studies?
This is an important area where workers should be particularly careful.
The text of the public policy establishes the 6-month program-duration requirement and provides an exemption from the specific requirement in IRPR 188(1)(c) concerning the period of stay authorized upon entry.
However, in its September 9, 2026 announcement, IRCC specifically stated that full-time studies will still require a study permit.
Workers should therefore not assume that a full-time program qualifies for the exemption simply because the program lasts 6 months or less.
IRCC’s other current guidance also discusses circumstances involving eligible workers studying full-time without a study permit, particularly when explaining how studying may affect eligibility for permanent residence programs.
Because these official materials need to be considered together, workers planning full-time studies should verify the requirements that apply to their specific program and circumstances before enrolling.
If you are planning a full-time academic program, obtaining a study permit may still be necessary.
Why Did IRCC Introduce This Measure?
IRCC says the measure is intended to help temporary workers already in Canada develop in-demand skills and better contribute to Canada’s labour market.
Short-term education or training may help workers:
- Upgrade existing skills
- Obtain additional credentials
- Pursue professional licensing
- Develop skills needed for higher-skilled occupations
- Address qualification gaps in important sectors
IRCC specifically highlighted examples such as tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians when announcing the measure.
The policy may be particularly useful for workers who need short-term training or licensing opportunities but do not intend to undertake a longer academic program.
Will IRCC Notify Eligible Workers?
IRCC announced that it would begin notifying eligible work permit holders about the new flexibility.
The announcement highlighted workers in sectors such as healthcare and skilled trades as examples of people who could benefit from the measure.
However, the notification process should be distinguished from the legal eligibility conditions of the public policy.
The public policy itself establishes the requirement that the foreign national hold a valid work permit, along with the applicable study-duration and other requirements.
Therefore, workers should assess their eligibility against the official policy and current IRCC instructions rather than assuming that receiving or not receiving a notification alone determines eligibility.
What Happens When Your Work Permit Expires?
The study exemption does not continue indefinitely.
The public policy states that the exemption applies until:
- The qualifying work permit expires, or
- The public policy expires or is revoked,
whichever happens first.
This means you should carefully compare your program dates with your work permit expiry date before beginning your studies.
Do not assume that enrolling in an eligible short-term program automatically gives you permission to complete the entire program after your work permit expires.
What About Maintained Status?
Workers relying on maintained status should be especially cautious.
The new public policy specifically requires the foreign national to hold a valid work permit.
This differs from the previous 2023 public policy, which expressly covered certain individuals who had applied to renew their work permits and were authorized to continue working under IRPR 186(u).
The new 2026 public policy does not reproduce that specific maintained-status provision.
Therefore, workers whose work permits have expired while they are waiting for a decision on an extension should not automatically assume that maintained status alone preserves their eligibility for the new study exemption.
Their individual circumstances should be checked against the latest IRCC requirements before beginning or continuing studies under the policy.
How Is This Different From the Previous Policy?
Canada previously had another temporary public policy that allowed certain foreign workers to study without a study permit.
That measure took effect in June 2023 and expired on June 27, 2026.
The previous policy had significantly different eligibility conditions.
Among other requirements, it generally covered workers whose relevant work permit application had been received by IRCC on or before June 7, 2023. It also expressly included certain workers who had submitted a work permit renewal application by that date and remained authorized to work under IRPR 186(u).
The new 2026 policy does not contain the previous June 7, 2023 application cut-off.
Instead, its central eligibility condition is that the foreign national holds a valid work permit.
Workers should therefore not rely on information about the previous 2023 policy when determining whether they qualify under the new measure.
Does This Mean You Never Need a Study Permit?
No.
This is a limited exemption from the study permit requirement, not a replacement for Canada’s study permit system.
The policy is designed for eligible short-term studies of 6 months or less.
A study permit may still be required or may be more appropriate depending on factors such as:
- The length of your program
- Whether the studies are full-time
- Your future education plans
- Your work authorization
- Your permanent residence strategy
- Other applicable immigration requirements
If you intend to study for longer than 6 months, you will generally need a study permit.
Can You Work While Studying?
Holding a work permit and studying under this exemption should not be confused with the work authorization that may be available to certain international students.
IRCC states that if you study without a study permit, the study exemption itself does not provide authorization to work.
To continue working, you must have appropriate work authorization, such as a valid work permit.
This is another reason why the validity and conditions of your work permit remain important while using the study exemption.
Could Studying Affect Your Permanent Residence Plans?
Potentially, yes.
This is particularly important for temporary workers planning to apply for permanent residence through programs that rely on qualifying Canadian work experience.
IRCC’s current Help Centre guidance states that work experience generally will not count toward the requirements of most permanent residence programs while a person:
- Holds a study permit, or
- Studies full-time without a study permit, if eligible
This could matter for applicants planning to qualify through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or other immigration pathways with specific work-experience requirements.
Before changing your study arrangements, check the requirements of the permanent residence program you intend to use.
Do not assume that continuing to work while studying means every hour of work will automatically remain eligible for immigration purposes.
Is This a New Permanent Residence Pathway?
No.
IRCC specifically says the measure is not a new pathway for workers to come to Canada.
It is a temporary measure intended to give eligible workers who are already in Canada more flexibility to pursue short-term education, training or licensing opportunities.
Completing a course under the policy does not guarantee permanent residence.
However, depending on the worker’s circumstances, additional training, credentials or professional licensing may support longer-term career development in Canada.
What Should You Check Before Enrolling?
Before registering for a course or program, consider the following:
1. Is your work permit valid?
The new public policy specifically requires you to hold a valid work permit.
2. How long is the program?
The course or program must be 6 months or less to fall within this temporary measure.
3. Is the program full-time?
Do not assume that a full-time program is covered simply because it lasts 6 months or less. IRCC’s September 9 announcement states that full-time studies still require a study permit.
4. When does your work permit expire?
Your authorization under the policy cannot simply continue beyond the expiry of your qualifying work permit.
5. Are you relying on maintained status?
The new policy does not reproduce the previous policy’s specific provision for certain workers authorized to work under IRPR 186(u). Do not automatically assume that maintained status preserves eligibility.
6. Could your studies affect your PR plans?
If you are planning to apply through CEC, Express Entry or another immigration program, check whether studying could affect how your Canadian work experience is counted.
7. Would a study permit be more appropriate?
Even if you may qualify for an exemption, your longer-term education or immigration plans could make obtaining a study permit the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a work permit holder study in Canada without a study permit?
Potentially, yes. Under the new temporary public policy, eligible foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit may study without a study permit for a course or program lasting 6 months or less, subject to the applicable requirements.
How long can I study?
You may be authorized to study for up to 6 months or until your work permit expires, whichever comes first.
Can I study full-time without a study permit?
Do not assume that you can. IRCC’s September 9 announcement specifically states that full-time studies will still require a study permit. Workers considering full-time studies should verify the requirements for their specific program and circumstances.
What if my work permit expires during my course?
The exemption under the public policy applies only until the qualifying work permit expires or the public policy expires or is revoked, whichever comes first.
Does maintained status automatically allow me to continue studying?
Do not assume so. The new policy requires a valid work permit and does not reproduce the previous policy’s specific provision for certain workers authorized to work under maintained status.
Can I take a program longer than 6 months?
Not under this temporary public policy. If your program is longer than 6 months, you should determine whether you need a study permit.
Do I need to receive an IRCC notification to qualify?
IRCC announced that it would notify eligible work permit holders about the measure. However, the notification process should not be confused with the legal eligibility conditions contained in the public policy. Check your circumstances against the official policy and current IRCC guidance.
Will studying affect my Canadian work experience for PR?
It may. IRCC states that work experience gained while holding a study permit, or while studying full-time without a study permit if eligible, generally does not count toward the work-experience requirements of most permanent residence programs. Always check the requirements of your specific immigration program.
Does this policy provide permanent residence?
No. This is a temporary study exemption for eligible work permit holders, not a permanent residence program.
The Key Takeaway
Canada’s new temporary public policy provides eligible work permit holders already in Canada with greater flexibility to pursue short-term studies of up to 6 months without a study permit.
The key requirements are:
Valid work permit + program of 6 months or less + work permit remaining valid.
However, workers should look beyond the program length alone.
IRCC’s September 9 announcement states that full-time studies still require a study permit, and workers relying on maintained status should not assume that the new exemption continues after their existing work permit expires.
Workers should also consider how studying could affect their Canadian work experience and future permanent residence plans.
The policy took effect on September 4, 2026 and is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2027, unless revoked earlier.
Before enrolling in a course or program, review the latest IRCC instructions and assess how the studies fit into your broader work, education and immigration plans.
Government of Canada Sources
For readers who want to verify the rules directly, the following official Government of Canada sources provide the legal and policy information discussed in this article:
- IRCC – Temporary Public Policy for Work Permit Holders to Study Without a Study Permit
This is the primary source for the 2026 temporary measure, including eligibility requirements, the six-month study limit, the scope of the exemption, and the policy’s expiry date. View the 2026 public policy - Department of Justice Canada – Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Section 188
This section sets out the regulatory circumstances in which a foreign national may study in Canada without a study permit, including the provisions addressed by the new temporary public policy. View Section 188 of the IRPR - Department of Justice Canada – Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Section 25.2
Section 25.2 provides the legislative authority for the Minister to establish certain public policies granting exemptions from applicable immigration requirements. View Section 25.2 of the IRPA - IRCC – Previous Temporary Policy for Work Permit Holders
This archived policy explains the earlier measure that allowed certain work permit holders to study without a study permit and provides useful context for understanding how the 2026 policy differs from the previous approach. Review the previous policy - IRCC – Who Can Study Without a Study Permit
This official guidance explains the current situations in which foreign nationals may study in Canada without a study permit, including the specific rules applicable to eligible workers holding valid work permits. View IRCC’s study permit guidance
