Canada allows eligible work permit holders to study for up to six months without a study permit

Eligible foreign workers in Canada can now study for up to six months without applying for a study permit under a temporary Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada policy that took effect on 4 September 2026.

The measure is aimed at people who already hold a valid Canadian work permit and want to take short courses, training or licensing programmes while they continue working.

The policy is currently scheduled to remain in effect until 31 December 2027.

Who can use the new exemption?

IRCC’s detailed guidance says you may be eligible if you hold a valid work permit and your programme of study is six months or less.

Your permission to study lasts for a maximum of six months or until your work permit expires, whichever comes first.

This is not a new route for people outside Canada to enter the country. It is a measure for eligible workers who already hold a valid work permit.

What about workers in Quebec?

IRCC says workers in Quebec are also eligible under the federal policy from 4 September 2026. Eligible workers do not need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, known as a CAQ, for the short studies covered by the temporary measure.

Because Quebec has its own immigration and education rules, workers should still check the latest guidance from both IRCC and Quebec’s immigration ministry before enrolling.

Can you do a co-op placement?

If a course includes a co-op placement, the answer depends on your existing work authorisation.

IRCC says a worker may need a new employer-specific work permit if the co-op employer or occupation is different from the employer or occupation authorised by the current permit. Open work permit holders do not need a new work permit for that reason.

Important caution for full-time study

There is an important wording issue in the current official guidance. IRCC’s detailed policy page discusses people studying full-time under the temporary measure and says work experience gained during full-time study will not count towards Canadian Experience Class eligibility or Canadian work-experience points under Express Entry.

However, a separate IRCC announcement dated 9 September says full-time studies still require a study permit. Because those two official pages appear to use different wording, anyone planning a full-time course should confirm their position directly with IRCC or a qualified immigration professional before relying on the exemption.

Could studying affect permanent residence plans?

Yes. IRCC’s detailed guidance says work experience gained while studying full-time under the temporary policy will not count towards the Canadian Experience Class or Canadian work-experience points under Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System.

That makes the study format and timing important for workers who are also building qualifying Canadian work experience.

What should workers do before enrolling?

• Check that your work permit is valid for the full period you plan to study.
• Confirm that the programme is six months or less.
• Ask the education provider what proof it needs. IRCC says a valid work permit can be used to show eligibility.
• If there is a co-op placement, check whether your current work permit covers that employer and occupation.
• If the course is full-time, verify the current IRCC position before relying on the exemption.

Official sources

• IRCC: public policy allowing some work permit holders to study without a study permit
• IRCC announcement, 9 September 2026
• IRCC temporary public policy text