Canada allows eligible work permit holders to study without study permit

Canada has introduced a temporary measure allowing eligible work permit holders already in the country to undertake studies of up to six months without obtaining a separate study permit.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it would begin notifying eligible work permit holders of the change this week, giving them the option to pursue short-term education, training and licensing opportunities while maintaining their work status.

Under the measure, eligible workers can study for up to six months or until their work permit expires, whichever comes first. The policy is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027.

The measure applies to eligible work permit holders who are already in Canada. IRCC’s announcement is aimed at temporary workers who want to undertake short-term programmes without going through the additional process of applying for a study permit.

The government said the flexibility is intended to remove an administrative barrier for workers seeking education, training or licensing that can improve their ability to contribute to the Canadian economy.

However, the measure does not remove the requirement for a study permit for longer programmes. Full-time studies that fall outside the temporary exemption can still require a study permit.

IRCC said the temporary policy is designed to help Canada address labour shortages and strengthen its workforce by allowing eligible temporary workers to acquire additional skills while they remain employed.

The department said the flexibility could particularly support workers contributing to areas such as public services and homebuilding, as well as other sectors considered important to Canada’s economic and infrastructure goals.

The move comes after an earlier temporary policy that allowed certain work permit holders to study without a study permit expired on June 27, 2026. That earlier policy had been in place since 2023, making the new measure a significant change for eligible temporary workers seeking further education.

The new policy should not be interpreted as a blanket exemption for everyone holding a Canadian work permit.

Eligibility must be determined under the conditions set by IRCC, and the length of study permitted is limited to six months or the remaining validity of the work permit, whichever is shorter.

Workers planning to enrol in longer programmes or studies that do not fall within the temporary measure may still need to obtain a study permit before beginning their studies.

For Nigerian and other foreign workers already living and working in Canada, the change could provide an opportunity to pursue short-term professional training or education without making a separate study-permit application, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

The temporary measure is currently scheduled to remain in place until December 31, 2027.