Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced a temporary public policy that gives eligible foreign workers greater flexibility to pursue short-term education or training in Canada. The measure took effect on September 4, 2026, 30 days after it was signed, and is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2027. It may be revoked earlier without prior notice.
Under the temporary public policy, foreign nationals who hold valid work permits may be exempted from one of the regulatory requirements governing short-term studies.
What Does the Public Policy Change?
Canadian immigration regulations generally allow a foreign national to complete a course or program lasting six months or less without obtaining a study permit. Ordinarily, however, the course must be completed within the period of stay authorized when the person entered Canada.
The new public policy exempts eligible work permit holders from this requirement. This means a worker who has already been in Canada for some time may be able to begin a short course later during their authorized stay, provided the course or program does not exceed six months.
The authorization to study under the policy ends when the person’s work permit expires, when the public policy expires, or if the policy is revoked, whichever occurs first.
Who May Qualify?
The condition expressly identified in the public policy is that the foreign national must hold a valid work permit. Eligible workers remain subject to all other applicable immigration eligibility and admissibility requirements that have not been exempted.
IRCC has said it will notify eligible work permit holders that they may study for up to six months or until their work permit expires, whichever comes first. However, receiving an IRCC notification is not listed as an eligibility condition in the public policy.
The measure is intended to help workers already in Canada pursue short-term licensing, education or training opportunities. IRCC specifically identified tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians as examples of workers who may benefit.
Is This an Extension of the Previous Policy?
This measure should not be confused with the broader temporary policy introduced in 2023, which allowed certain work permit holders to undertake longer programs without a study permit. That policy expired on June 27, 2026.
The new policy is narrower. It retains the six-month maximum for a course or program but removes the requirement that the studies be completed within the period of stay originally authorized upon entry.
Important Limitations
This policy is not a new pathway for foreign nationals to come to Canada. It applies to eligible individuals who already hold valid Canadian work permits.
IRCC’s September 9 announcement also states that full-time studies will continue to require a study permit. Anyone considering full-time studies, a program longer than six months or studies extending beyond the validity of their work permit should determine whether a study permit is required before enrolling.
Conclusion
The public policy may help eligible work permit holders obtain short-term training, credentials or professional licensing without applying for a separate study permit. Eligibility depends on the person’s status, the length and format of the program, and the validity of their work permit.
Contact Jain Immigration Law
Jain Immigration Law assists individuals and employers with Canadian immigration matters, including work permits and study permits. To discuss how this policy may apply to your circumstances, contact us:
Jain Immigration Law
Phone: +1 (416) 548-5533
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jainimmigrationlaw.com