Canada Allows Eligible Temporary Workers To Study Without Permit

The Canadian government has introduced a temporary policy allowing eligible foreign workers with valid work permits to study for up to six months without obtaining a study permit.

The policy, which took effect on September 4, 2026, also allows eligible workers to study until their work permits expire if the remaining validity period is shorter than six months.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun notifying eligible work permit holders of the change via email.

In the message, the IRCC said, “We wish to inform you that, by way of a new temporary public policy, you will be eligible to study without a study permit at an institution of your choice for 6 months or less as of September 4, 2026.

“In many cases, work permit holders are authorized to study without a study permit for 6 months or less upon entry into Canada. This new public policy provides the same authorization to study for 6 months or less to individuals with a subsequent permit, such as a work permit extension.”

The immigration authority said the measure was introduced under a temporary public policy covering “some work permit holders to study without a study permit.”

The IRCC further explained the eligibility requirements, stating: “As of September 4, 2026, a temporary public policy allows eligible foreign workers to study without a study permit for 6 months or less. 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 program of study must not be longer than 6 months, 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.”

However, the agency clarified that workers intending to undertake full-time studies or programmes lasting longer than six months would still need to obtain a study permit.

Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, described temporary foreign workers as an important component of the country’s economy in a statement dated August 5, 2026.

Diab said the policy would give workers already in Canada greater flexibility to pursue short-term education and training that could improve their career prospects.

“The Department seeks to support these individuals by providing opportunities and greater flexibility to pursue short-term studies that enable workers already in Canada to upgrade their skills, obtain new credentials or professional licensing, and advance into higher-skilled occupations. This public policy aims to support labour market needs including helping address shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, while strengthening pathways to permanent residence for workers whose skills and contributions support Canada’s economy.”

The minister added, “This public policy, pursuant to section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Act), will allow eligible foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit to study without a study permit for a course or program of studies of durations of six months or less. To be eligible for this public policy, the foreign national must hold a valid work permit.”

According to Diab, the policy came into effect 30 days after it was signed and will remain in force until December 31, 2027.

She, however, warned that the measure could be withdrawn before its scheduled expiry date.

“The public policy may be revoked at any time, without prior notice.”