The Canadian government has approved study up to six months or until their work permit ends (whichever comes first) for eligible temporary workers.
To this end, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has started notifying eligible work permit holders of the development through emails.
The IRCC message read:
“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 IRCC hinged the approval on a temporary public policy allowing “some work permit holders to study without a study permit.”
The IRCC stated, “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.”
It however noted that full-time, longer studies would require a study permit.
The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, in a statement dated August 5, 2026, said temporary foreign workers were a valuable part of Canada’s economy.
Diab added, “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.”
The minister said the public policy which came into effect 30 days after the date of signature would expire on December 31, 2027.
The minister noted, “The public policy may be revoked at any time, without prior notice.”
