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Work PermitsImportant

Eligible Work Permit Holders Can Study for Up to 6 Months Without a Study Permit

A temporary IRCC policy allows eligible foreign nationals with a valid work permit to study for up to six months without a study permit, until their work permit or the policy expires. Full-time studies still require a study permit.

Published
September 9, 2026
Last verified
September 15, 2026
Effective
September 4, 2026 to December 31, 2027, unless revoked earlier

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Important

Eligible people with a valid work permit may take qualifying short-term studies without applying for a separate study permit.

What happened?

IRCC introduced a temporary public policy for eligible foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit.

The measure is intended to help temporary workers already in Canada complete short-term licensing, education or training while continuing to work.

What changed?

  1. Eligible work permit holders may study in a course or program lasting six months or less without applying for a study permit.
  2. The exemption ends when the person’s work permit expires, when the public policy expires on December 31, 2027, or if the policy is revoked—whichever comes first.
  3. IRCC says full-time studies still require a study permit, and the measure is not a new pathway for workers to enter Canada.

What changed since the previous position?

Previous position

The usual short-course exemption requires the course or program to be completed within the period of stay authorized when the person entered Canada.

Current position

The temporary policy can exempt an eligible valid work permit holder from that timing requirement for a qualifying course or program of six months or less.

Who is affected?

  1. Foreign nationals who hold a valid Canadian work permit and want to take qualifying short-term studies.
  2. Workers pursuing short licensing, credential, education or skills-training programs in Canada.
  3. Schools, employers and training providers advising work permit holders about short programs.

What this means for you

  1. Holding a valid work permit does not create an unlimited right to study. The course length, study format and permit expiry date still matter.
  2. A person planning full-time study or a program outside this temporary exemption should follow the regular study-permit rules.
  3. The policy does not extend a work permit, create permanent-residence eligibility or guarantee that a credential will be recognized.

What should you do next?

  1. 1Confirm that your work permit is valid for the period when you plan to study.
  2. 2Check that the course or program lasts no more than six months and fits the official public-policy conditions.
  3. 3Apply for a study permit if you plan full-time studies or do not meet every condition of the exemption.
  4. 4Keep the IRCC notice and public-policy page with your records, and recheck them before enrolling because the policy may be revoked early.

Does this affect me?

Start with your current status

Official sources

This GuideCAN summary was checked against the linked Government of Canada sources.

IRCC notice: Supporting economic growth by maximizing the contributions of temporary workersIRCC public policy: Valid work permit holders studying without a study permit

This article is general information, not legal advice or an eligibility decision. Immigration rules, dates and program instructions can change. Confirm your situation with IRCC or an authorized immigration professional.

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