Updated September 16, 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a temporary public policy that gives certain foreign workers in Canada more flexibility to complete short-term studies without first obtaining a study permit.

The policy is aimed at workers who want to upgrade skills, obtain credentials or licensing, or complete short training that can support advancement into higher-skilled occupations.

What changed?

Under the temporary public policy, an eligible foreign national who holds a valid Canadian work permit may study without a study permit in a course or program that lasts six months or less.

The exemption continues only while the qualifying work permit remains valid and while the public policy remains in force. IRCC states that the policy will expire on December 31, 2027, unless it is revoked earlier.

This is an important change for workers who may need short-term professional training, licensing courses, certifications or other skills upgrading while they continue working in Canada.

Who may qualify?

The public policy sets a straightforward core eligibility condition: the foreign national must hold a valid work permit.

However, this does not mean every type of study is automatically covered. The exemption applies to a course or program of studies with a duration of six months or less. Other immigration, admissibility and status requirements continue to apply.

Workers should therefore confirm that their specific course, timing and immigration status fit the policy before enrolling.

How long can you study?

The course or program must be six months or shorter. The exemption also stops when the qualifying work permit expires, or when the public policy expires or is revoked, whichever comes first.

For example, a worker with only three months remaining on a work permit should not assume that the policy automatically creates six months of study authorization. The work permit validity still matters.

Does this replace a study permit for longer programs?

No. IRCC’s September 9 announcement describes the measure as targeted flexibility for short-term training. Full-time studies and longer programs may still require a study permit, depending on the circumstances.

Anyone planning a longer academic program should assess study permit requirements separately rather than relying on this temporary exemption.

Can you keep working while studying?

The policy is designed for eligible work permit holders who are already authorized to work in Canada. Their ability to continue working still depends on the conditions of the work permit itself.

An employer-specific work permit continues to restrict the worker to the authorized employer, occupation and location unless another authorization applies. An open work permit is subject to its own conditions.

The new study exemption does not remove or rewrite those work permit conditions.

Why this matters

The change may be particularly useful for workers who need short licensing or credential-upgrading programs in sectors such as healthcare, trades and other regulated occupations. IRCC specifically described the measure as a way to help temporary workers strengthen skills and support labour-market needs.

For some workers, a short course may also improve future employment prospects or support longer-term immigration planning. However, completing a course under this policy does not by itself create a new permanent residence pathway or guarantee eligibility for an immigration program.

Before enrolling in a course

• Confirm that your work permit is still valid.
• Confirm that the course or program is six months or shorter.
• Check whether your work permit will remain valid for the period you intend to study.
• Review whether the course is full-time and whether a separate study permit may still be required.
• Make sure your work activities continue to comply with the conditions on your work permit.
• Consider how the training fits into your broader work permit or permanent residence strategy.

Official IRCC sources

IRCC announced the measure on September 9, 2026 and published the corresponding temporary public policy. The policy itself states that it applies to eligible foreign nationals with valid work permits and to courses or programs of six months or less.

IRCC notice: temporary workers may study for up to six months without a study permit

IRCC temporary public policy: valid work permit holders studying without a study permit

Need help reviewing your status?

If you are considering short-term studies while working in Canada, CanLink can review your current work permit, expiry date, course details and longer-term immigration strategy before you proceed.

See our Work Permits & LMIA services or book a consultation.

This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules and public policies can change, and eligibility depends on the facts of each case.