Canada Allows Work Permit Holders to Study Without a Study Permit for Up to 6 Months

You are allowed to study without a study permit for up to six months if you hold a valid Canadian work permit.

Canada has enacted an important temporary measure for foreign workers who are already in the country. The new policy allows a person holding a valid Canadian work permit to pursue a study programme or course for six months or less without applying for and receiving a study permit.

The policy went into effect on September 4, 2026, and is set to expire on December 31, 2027. It provides temporary foreign workers with increased flexibility to enhance their skills, acquire professional training or complete short-term education while continuing to work in Canada.

What Has Changed?

Generally, foreign nationals must hold a study permit to study in Canada unless they meet certain exceptions. This temporary public policy offers an additional exemption for foreign nationals who are already working in Canada on a valid work permit.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that an eligible worker can study without a study permit for:

• A course or programme lasting up to six months; or
• The remaining validity period of their work permit, whichever period is shorter.

For example, if a person’s work permit expires in four months, the exemption will generally cover them for only those four months—not the full six months.

Who Is Eligible?

The eligibility criteria are straightforward:

• The individual must hold a valid Canadian work permit.
• The selected course or programme must be six months or shorter.
• The worker must meet all other applicable immigration and admissibility requirements.

The educational institution may ask for evidence that the person qualifies for the exemption. In that case, the worker can provide their valid work permit as proof.

This measure may also apply to workers in Quebec. According to IRCC, eligible workers studying in Quebec under this temporary policy do not need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate for a qualifying programme.

For How Long Is the Policy Valid?

The policy took effect on September 4, 2026, and is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2027.

However, if a worker’s work permit expires before the course ends, the exemption will generally remain valid only until the work permit’s expiry date.

The government also has the authority to cancel the temporary policy before its scheduled expiration. Applicants should therefore check the latest requirements on the official IRCC website before enrolling in a course.

Which Types of Programmes Might Be Appropriate?

Depending on the institution and the worker’s professional objectives, qualifying studies may include:

• Short professional certificate courses
• Licensing or regulatory preparation programmes
• Workplace or technical training
• Language or communication courses
• Short healthcare, construction or technology programmes
• Skills-upgrading courses lasting six months or less

The programme length is an important factor. A person who intends to study in a programme lasting longer than six months will generally need to apply for a study permit through the usual process.

Important Points You Need to Know

This policy does not provide a new way for foreign nationals to obtain a work permit or enter Canada. It is designed to offer additional options to foreign workers who already hold valid Canadian work authorization.

Workers should also consider the following points:

• A valid work permit is required. Visitors are not eligible under this policy unless they hold a valid Canadian work permit.
• The programme must not be longer than six months. A study permit is usually required for longer programmes.
• Employment conditions still apply. If classes affect a worker’s contracted working hours, they may need to discuss the matter with their employer.
• Additional authorization may be required for co-op placements. If the co-op employer or occupation differs from the worker’s current authorization, a new employer-specific work permit may be required. Open work permit holders may be treated differently.
• Full-time study may affect Canadian work-experience calculations. IRCC states that work experience gained while studying full-time under this policy will not count toward Canadian Experience Class eligibility or Canadian work-experience points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System.

Why Is Canada Offering This Flexibility?

The measure aims to help temporary workers develop in-demand skills, obtain credentials and transition into higher-skilled occupations.

It may be particularly helpful for workers in industries facing labour shortages, including healthcare, construction and technical fields.

By removing the requirement for a separate study permit for qualifying short programmes, Canada has eliminated an additional administrative step for working professionals who want to enhance their skills without leaving their jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all Canadian work permit holders study without a study permit?

The worker must hold a valid work permit, and the course or programme must not exceed six months. Other immigration and admissibility requirements may still apply.

Can I complete a one-year diploma under this policy?

No. A one-year diploma is longer than six months and would generally require a study permit.

What happens if my work permit expires while I am enrolled in my course?

The exemption will cease to be valid when your work permit expires unless you have received another valid authorization that allows you to continue.

Is this policy permanent?

No. It is a temporary public policy scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027, unless the government cancels it earlier.

Does this policy provide a pathway to permanent residence?

No. This policy is not a new immigration or permanent residence pathway. It only allows eligible individuals who hold valid work permits to undertake qualifying short-term studies without obtaining separate study permits.

Final Thoughts

This temporary policy provides a valuable opportunity for eligible Canadian work permit holders to enrol in short-term education or training without applying for a separate study permit.

However, applicants should carefully review the validity of their work permit, the length and format of the programme, and the possible effect of full-time study on Canadian work-experience calculations before enrolling.

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