Work Permit Holders Can Now Study in Canada for Up to 6 Months Without a Study Permit
Canada has introduced a new option for temporary foreign workers who want to upgrade their skills while continuing to work.
Under a temporary public policy now in effect, eligible foreign nationals with a valid Canadian work permit can study in a program lasting six months or less without applying for a separate study permit.
The policy took effect September 4, 2026 and is currently scheduled to remain in place until December 31, 2027.
For workers looking to complete professional licensing, short-term training or other career-related education, this can remove an important administrative barrier.
There is, however, a significant immigration consequence to understand: if you study full-time under this policy, work experience gained while you are studying will not count toward Canadian Experience Class eligibility or Canadian-work-experience CRS points.
Who can study without a study permit?
The core eligibility rule is relatively simple.
You may qualify if:
you hold a valid Canadian work permit; and
the course or program you want to take lasts six months or less.
If eligible, you can study until the program ends or until your work permit expires, whichever happens first.
This is designed for people already working in Canada. It is not a new immigration pathway for people outside Canada to enter as workers or students.
What changed?
Canada already allows some short-term study without a study permit.
The new public policy specifically gives valid work-permit holders additional flexibility to complete short courses while they remain authorized to work.
IRCC says the measure is intended to help workers upgrade their skills, obtain professional licensing or credentials and move into higher-skilled occupations, including areas where Canada has labour shortages such as healthcare.
Examples could include short:
licensing or certification programs;
technical training;
professional development courses;
skilled-trades upgrading; or
occupational training.
The program itself must still be six months or less.
What are the main rules?
| Issue | Current Rule |
|---|---|
| Work permit | You must hold a valid Canadian work permit. |
| Maximum program length | 6 months. |
| Study permit | Not required if you qualify under the temporary public policy. |
| Authorization ends | When the program ends or the work permit expires, whichever comes first. |
| Policy expiry | December 31, 2027, unless revoked earlier. |
| Full-time study and CEC | Work gained while studying full-time does not count toward CEC eligibility. |
| Full-time study and CRS | That work does not count for Canadian-work-experience CRS points. |
| Quebec | Eligible workers can use the exemption without obtaining a CAQ for the short program. |
Can you keep working while studying?
Yes, provided you continue to comply with your work authorization.
The new policy removes study-related restrictions that would otherwise prevent an eligible work-permit holder from taking the short course.
However, your employment contract still matters.
For example, if attending classes means reducing your working hours, IRCC notes that you are responsible for reaching an appropriate arrangement with your employer.
Employers and workers should not assume that the immigration exemption automatically changes the terms of an employment agreement.
Be careful if you are building Canadian work experience for permanent residence
This is probably the most important immigration issue created by the new policy.
If you study full-time while using this exemption, work experience earned during that period will not count toward:
eligibility under the Canadian Experience Class; or
Canadian-work-experience points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System.
That means a worker should consider more than whether the course itself is useful.
Someone who is six or eight months away from accumulating enough Canadian work experience for permanent residence could potentially change their immigration timeline by moving into full-time study.
If permanent residence is part of your plan, review the effect on your Express Entry strategy before changing your schedule.
What if the program includes a co-op placement?
Co-op programs require additional care.
If you hold an employer-specific work permit and the co-op placement is with a different employer or involves a different occupation, IRCC says you may need to obtain another employer-specific work permit before beginning the placement.
You can then hold both permits at the same time.
Someone with an open work permit does not need to obtain a second work permit solely for the co-op placement under this rule.
Does the policy apply in Quebec?
Yes.
Eligible work-permit holders in Quebec can use the federal exemption.
IRCC also confirms that workers eligible under the policy do not need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for these short studies. The federal and Quebec exemptions both took effect September 4, 2026.
What if the course is longer than 6 months?
Then this temporary policy does not cover the program.
A worker who wants to pursue longer studies may need to apply for a study permit and meet the normal requirements.
Ayodele Law assists clients with both work-permit matters.
Should you use this option?
For many workers, the policy could be useful.
A six-month licensing program or occupational credential may improve career prospects without requiring an entirely separate study-permit application.
But immigration planning matters.
Before enrolling, consider:
whether the program is genuinely six months or less;
when your current work permit expires;
whether you will study full-time or part-time;
whether you are accumulating Canadian work experience for Express Entry;
whether the program contains a co-op placement; and
whether your employer needs to approve changes to your working hours.
The best choice depends on both your career goals and your longer-term immigration plan.
If you are working in Canada and considering short-term study, book a consultation with Ayodele Law to review how the new policy may affect your work status and permanent residence strategy.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The temporary public policy described above took effect September 4, 2026 and is scheduled to expire December 31, 2027. IRCC may amend or revoke temporary public policies, and individual immigration consequences depend on the facts of each case.