Canada has introduced a new temporary measure that gives eligible foreign workers more flexibility to pursue short-term education and training.

As of September 4, 2026, certain foreign workers holding a valid Canadian work permit may be able to study for a program of up to 6 months without applying for a separate study permit.

The temporary public policy is designed to help workers upgrade their skills, pursue short-term training and obtain certain credentials while continuing to work in Canada.

However, there are important eligibility requirements and limitations that workers should understand before enrolling in a program.

What Changed in September 2026?

Under the new temporary public policy, eligible foreign workers with a valid work permit can study without a study permit if their program is 6 months or less.

The authorization lasts for up to 6 months or until the worker’s current work permit expires, whichever comes first.

The temporary policy is currently scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Who Can Study Without a Study Permit?

To qualify under this temporary measure, you must:

• Hold a valid Canadian work permit
• Be enrolled in a study program that is 6 months or less in length

Your work permit must remain valid throughout your studies. If your work permit expires while you are studying, you can no longer rely on this temporary policy to study without a study permit. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

How Long Can You Study?

The maximum period is 6 months.

However, the actual period you can study may be shorter if your work permit expires before the 6-month period is completed.

For example, if your work permit has only 3 months remaining, you cannot use this policy to study for another 6 months. Your authorization to study under this measure ends when your work permit expires.

Do You Need a Study Permit for a Program Longer Than 6 Months?

Yes.

If your intended program is longer than 6 months, this temporary policy does not remove the requirement for a study permit.

Workers planning to pursue longer-term education should review the regular study permit requirements before enrolling.

What If Your Work Permit Is About to Expire?

This is one of the most important points to understand.

You must have a valid work permit to qualify for this temporary measure. IRCC states that you cannot continue studying under this policy after your work permit expires, even if you have applied for:

• A work permit extension
• A new work permit
• A study permit
• An extension of your stay as a visitor

Therefore, workers should not assume that submitting another immigration application automatically allows them to continue studying under this temporary measure. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Can You Study Full-Time?

Full-time study is possible under this temporary measure, but there is an important immigration consideration.

IRCC states that work experience gained while studying full-time under this policy will not count toward:

• Eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Canadian work experience points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Anyone planning their studies around a future permanent residence application should consider this carefully. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Do You Need to Show Your Work Permit to the School?

Possibly.

The educational institution may ask you to demonstrate that you are eligible to study without a study permit.

If requested, you can provide your valid work permit as proof of eligibility. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

What About Co-op Programs?

There are additional rules if your studies include a co-op work placement.

In certain situations, workers may need to obtain another work permit before beginning a co-op placement, particularly when the co-op employer or occupation is different from the one authorized under their existing work permit.

Open work permit holders may not need to apply for a second work permit in these circumstances. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Does This New Rule Create a New Pathway to Permanent Residence?

No.

This temporary policy is intended to provide eligible workers with flexibility to pursue short-term education, training, credentials and professional development while working in Canada.

It does not automatically provide permanent residence, a new work permit or another immigration status.

Your eligibility for permanent residence will continue to depend on the requirements of the immigration program you are applying under.

Key Things Work Permit Holders Should Remember

• You must have a valid work permit.
• Your program must be 6 months or less.
• You can study only until the earlier of 6 months or your work permit expiry.
• A pending work permit or study permit application does not allow you to rely on this policy after your current work permit expires.
• Full-time study may affect how your Canadian work experience is counted for certain permanent residence programs.
• This is a temporary public policy, not a new permanent immigration pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study in Canada without a study permit if I have a work permit?

Potentially, yes. Under the temporary policy introduced in September 2026, eligible work permit holders may study for up to 6 months without a study permit.

Can I study for more than 6 months?

No. If your program is longer than 6 months, you generally need to follow the regular study permit requirements.

What happens if my work permit expires while I am studying?

You can no longer rely on this temporary policy to study without a study permit once your work permit expires.

Can I use this policy as a pathway to permanent residence?

No. The policy itself does not create a new permanent residence pathway. Your PR eligibility depends on the requirements of the specific immigration program.

Does full-time study affect my Express Entry experience?

Yes. IRCC states that work experience gained while studying full-time under this temporary policy will not count toward Canadian Experience Class eligibility or Canadian work experience points under the CRS.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s new temporary measure gives eligible work permit holders another option for pursuing short-term education and training without obtaining a separate study permit.

However, the rules are specific, particularly around work permit validity, program length and the impact of full-time studies on Canadian work experience.

If you are considering a short-term program and are unsure whether you qualify, it is important to review your individual situation before enrolling.