Canada has introduced a temporary measure that gives some foreign workers more flexibility to study while working. Under the new policy, eligible work permit holders can study in a program lasting six months or less without applying for a separate study permit.
The measure, which took effect on September 4, 2026, is designed to help workers upgrade their skills, obtain short-term training and pursue professional licensing while remaining in the Canadian workforce.
For foreign workers already in Canada, this could make it easier to take short courses that improve their employment prospects. However, the rule has important conditions, and it should not be mistaken for a new immigration pathway.
Who can study without a study permit?
The new temporary policy is relatively straightforward.
A foreign worker may be eligible if they:
• Hold a valid Canadian work permit
• Are enrolled in a study program that lasts six months or less
If both conditions are met, the worker can study without a separate study permit.
The authorization lasts for up to six months or until the worker’s existing work permit expires, whichever comes first.
This means a worker whose permit expires in three months cannot use the policy to study for six months. Their authorization to study under the temporary measure would end when the work permit expires.
What can workers use this flexibility for?
The policy is aimed at short-term education, training and skills development.
For example, a worker could potentially use the opportunity to complete short training that helps them obtain additional skills or pursue professional licensing.
This could be particularly useful for workers in sectors where Canada has labour shortages.
A worker may already have employment in Canada but need additional training or certification to move into a higher-skilled role. Instead of going through the full study permit process for a short program, an eligible worker may be able to use this temporary measure.
However, the specific program and institution should always be checked before enrolment because the temporary policy does not remove every other requirement that may apply.
What happens if the work permit expires?
This is one of the most important parts of the policy.
The worker must have a valid work permit.
Simply applying for an extension does not automatically allow someone to continue studying under this temporary measure after the original permit expires.
IRCC specifically states that a worker is not eligible to continue studying under the policy if the work permit has expired, even if the worker has applied for:
• A work permit extension
• A new work permit
• A study permit
• An extension of their stay as a visitor
Workers therefore need to pay close attention to their work permit expiry date.
What if the worker is in Quebec?
Workers in Quebec are also covered by the temporary measure.
As of September 4, 2026, eligible workers in Quebec can study for up to six months without a study permit under the federal policy.
IRCC also states that eligible workers do not need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, commonly known as a CAQ, for studies covered by this temporary measure.
This makes the measure particularly relevant to temporary foreign workers who are already working in Quebec and want to complete short-term training.
Does the policy allow full-time study?
There is an important distinction here.
A person may be allowed to study without a study permit under the temporary measure, but that does not mean studying full-time will automatically produce the same immigration benefits as holding a study permit and studying as an international student.
IRCC warns that if a person studies full-time without a study permit under this policy, the work experience they gain during that period will not count toward Canadian Experience Class eligibility or Canadian work experience points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System.
This is an important consideration for workers who are planning their permanent residence strategy.
Someone may therefore need to look beyond the immediate convenience of studying without a permit and consider how the decision affects their long-term immigration plans.
Can workers continue working while studying?
The temporary policy is intended for people who already hold work permits and continue working.
However, workers must still comply with the conditions of their work permits.
For example, if studying requires a change to their working schedule, they may need to discuss the arrangement with their employer.
The temporary policy does not simply cancel the other conditions attached to a worker’s employment authorization.
Workers should therefore make sure that their study plans do not place them in breach of their employment or immigration conditions.
What about co-op placements?
There is another important detail for people whose short-term studies include a co-op or work placement.
In some situations, a worker may need a new employer-specific work permit before starting a co-op placement.
This can apply where the co-op employer or occupation is different from the worker’s current employer or occupation.
Open work permit holders have different flexibility and do not need to apply for a new work permit in that situation under the policy.
Anyone planning a program involving practical work should therefore confirm the work authorization requirements before starting the placement.
Is this a new way to immigrate to Canada?
No.
This is perhaps the biggest point prospective immigrants should understand.
The measure does not create a new work permit program, study permit pathway or permanent residence stream.
It is specifically designed to give certain foreign workers who are already in Canada more flexibility to pursue short-term education and training.
IRCC has also described the measure as a temporary policy supporting workers already in Canada rather than a new pathway for people outside Canada to enter the country.
For Nigerians planning to immigrate to Canada, this means the policy should not be treated as a strategy for obtaining a Canadian work permit from Nigeria.
Someone outside Canada would still need to qualify for an appropriate immigration or temporary residence program before coming to Canada.
Could studying help with permanent residence?
It can help a worker professionally, but applicants should be careful about assuming that every form of study will improve their permanent residence profile.
For example, IRCC specifically states that Canadian work experience gained while studying full-time without a study permit under this policy does not count toward Canadian Experience Class eligibility or Canadian work experience CRS points.
This matters because some workers may be trying to accumulate Canadian work experience while simultaneously upgrading their qualifications.
The best approach is to consider the study decision alongside the person’s broader immigration strategy rather than treating the short-term training as automatically beneficial for permanent residence.
What should eligible workers do before enrolling?
Before registering for a program, workers should check several things.
1. Check the expiry date of the work permit
The work permit must remain valid throughout the period of study covered by the policy.
2. Confirm the program duration
The temporary exemption applies to programs lasting six months or less.
3. Ask the institution what proof is required
IRCC says an educational institution may ask the worker to prove eligibility. A valid work permit can be used as evidence.
4. Check whether the program includes a co-op
If practical work is part of the program, additional work authorization may be required depending on the employer and occupation.
5. Consider the effect on permanent residence
Workers pursuing Express Entry or another permanent residence pathway should understand how their study arrangements could affect their ability to claim Canadian work experience.
6. Check the rules before starting
Immigration policies can change, and the temporary measure can be revoked. Workers should verify the latest IRCC requirements before enrolling.
What this means for foreign workers in Canada
The new measure gives eligible temporary foreign workers another way to improve their skills without going through the normal study permit process for a short program.
For workers in fields such as healthcare, trades and technical occupations, this could make short-term training or licensing opportunities easier to pursue while remaining employed.
But the policy has limits.
It does not replace a study permit for longer programs, it does not create a new route to Canada, and it does not automatically make the resulting work experience count toward Express Entry.
For anyone already working in Canada, the decision to study should therefore be based on both the immediate career benefit and the person’s long-term immigration plan.
Final thoughts
Canada’s temporary study measure gives eligible work permit holders more flexibility to build skills while continuing their careers.
For someone already in Canada, a short course, professional training program or licensing-related study could provide a useful opportunity to improve their qualifications without applying for a separate study permit.
However, immigration status and permanent residence plans should come first when making the decision.
If you are already working in Canada and want to know whether this temporary measure applies to you, or how studying could affect your Express Entry or permanent residence plans, professional immigration advice can help you assess your options before enrolling.
Worldbridge Immigration can help prospective and current immigrants assess Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs and other Canadian immigration pathways based on their individual circumstances.
