Work permit holders may study for up to 6 months without a study permit until December 31, 2027

On September 9, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a temporary measure that lets work permit holders study for up to 6 months without a study permit. It is set out in a public policy signed on August 5, 2026: the Temporary public policy to allow foreign nationals with valid work permits to study without a study permit.

What it allows

• Eligible workers can study for up to 6 months, or until their work permit ends, whichever comes first, without applying for a study permit.
• The public policy covers a course or program of study of 6 months or less.
• It is in effect until December 31, 2027. IRCC can revoke it at any time without notice.

Who is eligible

The public policy requires a valid work permit. IRCC said it would begin notifying eligible work permit holders the week of the announcement. All other admissibility and eligibility requirements still apply.

IRCC says the measure helps workers already in Canada, such as tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians, develop in-demand skills while they keep working, and removes an administrative step for workers pursuing short-term licensing.

What doesn't change

• IRCC's notice says full-time studies still require a study permit.
• The measure is not a new pathway to come to Canada.

Read IRCC's notice and the public policy. Our temporary residence page covers study and work permits.