Canada Introduces Temporary Study Flexibility for Eligible Work Permit Holders

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary measure giving eligible foreign workers in Canada greater flexibility to pursue short-term studies without first obtaining a study permit. Under the temporary public policy, eligible work permit holders may study for 6 months or less without a study permit, subject to the conditions of the policy.

CANADA IMMIGRATION UPDATES

MSD Consultant Pakistan

9/19/20263 min read

Canada Immigration Update | September 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary measure giving eligible foreign workers already in Canada greater flexibility to pursue short-term studies without first obtaining a study permit.

Under this temporary public policy, eligible work permit holders may study in a course or program lasting 6 months or less without a study permit, subject to the conditions of the policy.

What Has Changed?

The Government of Canada announced the temporary measure on September 9, 2026. It is intended to help eligible temporary workers develop skills, pursue short-term education and training, and obtain certain credentials or professional licensing while continuing to work in Canada.

The measure took effect on September 4, 2026 and is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027, unless it is revoked earlier.

Who May Be Eligible?

Under the temporary public policy, a foreign worker may be eligible if:

They hold a valid Canadian work permit; and
Their course or program of study is 6 months or less.

The authorization applies until the earlier of the expiry of the person's work permit or the end of the temporary public policy.

IRCC says the measure can provide flexibility for workers, including those seeking short-term licensing, education or training opportunities. The government specifically highlighted workers such as tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians in its announcement.

What About Workers in Quebec?

Eligible workers in Quebec can also benefit from this temporary measure.

IRCC states that eligible workers in Quebec do not need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies covered by this temporary public policy. The temporary CAQ exemption and the federal public policy both took effect on September 4, 2026.

Important Conditions

This measure does not mean that every work permit holder can automatically undertake any type of study without a study permit.

The program must be 6 months or less, and the individual must meet the applicable conditions of the temporary public policy.

A learning institution may ask the worker to provide proof that they are eligible to study without a study permit. IRCC states that the person can provide their valid work permit as evidence of eligibility.

Workers should also consider their employment arrangements. For example, if studying requires changes to working hours or other employment conditions, the worker may need to reach an agreement with their employer.

What If a Co-op Placement Is Involved?

Additional requirements may apply when a study program includes a co-op work placement.

IRCC states that some employer-specific work permit holders may need to obtain a new work permit before beginning a co-op placement if the co-op employer or occupation is different from the one authorized by their current work permit.

Open work permit holders do not need to apply for a new work permit for a co-op placement under the conditions described by IRCC.

Full-Time Studies Still Require a Study Permit

An important limitation is that full-time studies still require a study permit under this temporary measure.

Workers should therefore carefully determine whether their intended course or program falls within the temporary policy before beginning their studies.

Impact on Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry

Workers should also understand how studying under this temporary policy may affect future immigration plans.

IRCC states that work experience gained while studying full-time under this temporary public policy will not count toward eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class or Canadian work experience points under Express Entry's Comprehensive Ranking System.

This is an important consideration for temporary workers who are planning their future Canadian immigration strategy.

Is This a New Pathway to Canada?

No.

IRCC states that this temporary measure is not a new pathway for workers to come to Canada.

It is intended to provide additional flexibility to eligible temporary workers who are already in Canada and want to pursue short-term studies while continuing to work.

What This Means for Eligible Work Permit Holders

The temporary measure provides eligible workers in Canada with greater flexibility to pursue short-term education, training, licensing or skills-development opportunities without obtaining a separate study permit, where the requirements of the policy are met.

However, eligibility depends on the individual's circumstances and the specific requirements of the temporary public policy.

Before beginning a course or changing work and study arrangements, eligible workers should carefully review the latest IRCC requirements.

MSD Consultant Pakistan

Canadian immigration policies and temporary public measures can change, and individual circumstances can affect eligibility.

MSD Consultant Pakistan provides professional visa and immigration consultancy for individuals and families considering Canada and other international immigration options.

We believe every successful application begins with the right assessment.

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Important Disclaimer

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.

Canadian immigration rules, policies, eligibility requirements and procedures can change. Eligibility under a temporary public policy depends on individual circumstances and the requirements in force at the relevant time.

Applicants should verify the latest information through official Government of Canada and IRCC sources before making immigration, study or work-related decisions.

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Government of Canada — September 2026.