Work permit holders can study up to 6 months without a study permit

On September 9, 2026, IRCC announced a temporary measure letting eligible work permit holders study for up to 6 months without a study permit.

What happened

On September 9, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a temporary measure that allows eligible work permit holders to study for up to 6 months, or until their work permit expires (whichever comes first), without applying for a study permit. The measure is in effect until December 31, 2027.

IRCC said it would begin notifying eligible work permit holders the same week. The notice names tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians as examples of workers who could benefit.

Who is affected

The measure is aimed at temporary workers already in Canada who want to take short-term licensing, education or training while continuing to work, such as a tradesperson or health worker completing courses needed for a Canadian licence.

Full-time studies still require a study permit. IRCC also states that this is not a new pathway to come to Canada, and that the government remains committed to bringing the temporary resident population below 5% of Canada's total population by the end of 2027.

What it means for you

For workers planning to get licensed or upgrade their skills, this removes one application step, and new Canadian credentials can help later in economic immigration programs.

Watch for a notice from IRCC confirming your eligibility. Before enrolling, check that the program lasts no more than 6 months and ends before your work permit expires. If the program is full-time, apply for a study permit as usual, and keep respecting the conditions of your current work permit.

Based on official information available at the time of the announcement. General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often; IRCC and provincial websites prevail.