Updated: September 10, 2026
The Government of Canada has introduced a new temporary public policy that gives eligible foreign workers in Canada greater flexibility to pursue short-term education without applying for a study permit.
The policy, which took effect on September 4, 2026, allows certain foreign nationals holding valid work permits to study in Canada for a program of six months or less, even when the program may extend beyond the period of stay that was originally authorized when they first entered Canada.
This change can provide an important opportunity for temporary foreign workers who want to upgrade their skills, complete short professional programs, or pursue additional education while continuing to work in Canada.
What Has Changed?
Under Canada’s usual rules, foreign nationals can generally study without a study permit when their program lasts six months or less and can be completed within the period they are authorized to remain in Canada.
The new temporary public policy creates an additional exemption for eligible work permit holders.
Under this measure, a foreign worker with a valid work permit may study in a program lasting six months or less, even if the program would extend beyond the period of stay that was originally authorized when the person first entered Canada.
The authorization to study under this policy is tied to the validity of the work permit.
Who Can Benefit From This Policy?
The temporary measure is primarily relevant to foreign nationals who:
- Are currently in Canada;
- Hold a valid work permit; and
- Want to undertake a study program that is six months or less in duration.
How Long Can a Work Permit Holder Study?
The authorization under this temporary measure continues only until the earliest of:
- The expiry of the person’s valid work permit; or
- The expiry or revocation of the temporary public policy.
The public policy is currently scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027.
Because temporary public policies can be changed or cancelled, individuals should verify that the policy remains in effect before beginning their studies.
Why Is This Change Important?
Many temporary foreign workers in Canada obtain extensions or renewals of their work permits after their initial arrival.
As a result, a person’s current work authorization may remain valid well beyond the period of stay that was originally granted when they entered Canada.
Previously, this could create a practical problem for workers who wanted to take a short course without obtaining a study permit.
The new policy provides greater flexibility by allowing eligible work permit holders to undertake qualifying short-term studies based on their current work authorization.
For workers looking to improve their qualifications while remaining employed in Canada, this can make short-term education and professional development more accessible.
Examples of Situations Where This May Help
For example, a foreign worker may hold a valid work permit and want to complete a short professional training program, certificate course, or other program lasting six months or less.
If the worker’s current work permit remains valid throughout the program, the new policy may allow them to undertake the studies without applying for a separate study permit, provided all applicable requirements are satisfied.
However, eligibility must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Important: Studying Without a Study Permit Does Not Give You Student Work Authorization
One important distinction should not be overlooked.
Being authorized to study without a study permit does not automatically provide the work rights associated with being an international student.
Therefore, if your plans involve studying and working under the rules applicable to international students, you should carefully determine whether obtaining a study permit would be more appropriate.
What About Programs Longer Than Six Months?
The new measure is limited to programs of six months or less.
If you intend to enrol in a program that lasts longer than six months, you will generally need to obtain a study permit before beginning the program.
A study permit may also provide advantages depending on your circumstances, including access to certain rights and benefits associated with studying at a designated learning institution.
Therefore, simply choosing a short program because it does not require a study permit may not always be the best immigration strategy.
How Is This Different From the Previous Temporary Policy?
Canada previously introduced a temporary public policy allowing certain foreign workers to study without a study permit.
That earlier measure was introduced in June 2023 and was limited to a specific group of workers, including individuals whose work permit applications had been received by IRCC on or before June 7, 2023. The previous policy expired on June 27, 2026.
The new policy replaces that earlier measure and provides a new framework for eligible foreign nationals holding valid work permits.
How Long Will the New Policy Remain in Effect?
The new temporary public policy took effect on September 4, 2026 and is currently scheduled to remain in place until December 31, 2027.
Importantly, temporary public policies can be revoked or changed before their scheduled expiry.
For this reason, foreign workers should verify the current rules before enrolling in a program or making decisions based on this exemption.
What Should Foreign Workers Do Before Enrolling?
If you are a work permit holder considering a short-term program in Canada, it is important to look at more than simply the length of the course.
You should consider:
- The validity and expiry date of your work permit;
- The length and structure of the intended program;
- Whether the program qualifies under the applicable exemption;
- Whether you may benefit from obtaining a study permit instead;
- Whether your future immigration plans could be affected by your choice; and
- Whether additional provincial or institutional requirements apply.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
If you are currently working in Canada and are considering studying, upgrading your qualifications, or changing your immigration status, it is important to determine whether you can study without a permit or whether applying for a study permit would be the better option.
At Red Swan Immigration Consultancy, we can review your individual circumstances and help you understand the immigration options available to you.
Book a consultation with Red Swan Immigration Consultancy today to discuss your work permit and study options in Canada.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. Immigration policies and requirements can change without notice. Eligibility depends on the individual’s circumstances and the applicable legislation and public policies in force at the time of assessment. Always verify the current requirements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or seek professional immigration advice before making an application or enrolling in a program.