Key takeaways
- Since September 4, 2026, a temporary public policy lets eligible foreign workers study without a study permit for 6 months or less
- You need a valid work permit and a study program of 6 months or less. Full-time and part-time study are both allowed
- You do not apply and you pay no fee. A school may ask to see your valid work permit
- Your authorization lasts 6 months or less, or until your work permit expires, whichever comes first. The policy ends December 31, 2027
- You are not eligible if your work permit has expired or will expire while you study, even if you applied for an extension
- If you study full-time under this policy, that work experience will not count toward Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility or Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points
What the policy says
IRCC explains the rule on its page Workers: study without a study permit. It says: “As of September 4, 2026, a temporary public policy allows eligible foreign workers to study without a study permit for 6 months or less.”
To be eligible, you must hold a valid work permit and your study program must be 6 months or less. The work permit can be open or employer-specific. You can study full-time or part-time.
You are authorized to study for 6 months or less, or until your work permit expires, whichever comes first.
The policy text and dates
The public policy document exempts work permit holders from section 188(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. That rule says a short course must be completed within the period of stay authorized when you entered Canada.
| Item | What the policy says |
|---|---|
| Signed | August 5, 2026, by Minister Lena Metlege Diab |
| Takes effect | 30 days after signature (September 4, 2026) |
| Applies until | Your work permit expires, or the policy expires or is revoked |
| Expires | December 31, 2027 |
| Can be revoked? | Yes. IRCC says it “may be revoked at any time, without prior notice.” |
Catches to know before you enrol
- Your work permit must stay valid. IRCC says you are not eligible if your work permit has expired or will expire while you study, “even if you applied for” a work permit extension, a new work permit, a study permit or a visitor extension.
- Full-time study affects Express Entry. IRCC says that if you study full-time under this policy, work experience gained during your studies will not count toward CEC eligibility or CRS Canadian work experience points.
- Quebec: IRCC says eligible workers do not need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). The temporary CAQ exemption and the IRCC policy both took effect September 4, 2026.
- Work conditions: study-related conditions on your work permit do not apply under this measure. Changing your work hours is between you and your employer.
- Co-op placements: a co-op placement with a different employer or in a different occupation needs a new employer-specific work permit. Open work permit holders do not need one.
If you have applied to extend your work permit and are waiting, read our post on the proof-of-work letter. This policy does not cover you once your permit has expired.
How to prove you are allowed to study
You do not apply and you pay no fee. IRCC says to show the school your valid work permit. IRCC also lists “Workers who can study without a study permit” on its study without a study permit page, next to the standing exemption for programs of 6 months or less.
What this means for you
- You hold a valid work permit and want a short course: check that your program is 6 months or less and that your permit will still be valid on the last day of the course.
- You plan to apply for Express Entry through the CEC: think about whether to study full-time. Full-time study under this policy means that period of work will not count for CEC or CRS work experience points. Part-time study is not mentioned in that rule on IRCC’s page.
- You are waiting for an extension: IRCC says you are not eligible while your current permit has expired or will expire during the course.
- You live in Quebec: you do not need a CAQ for these studies.
What to do next
- Read IRCC’s page linked above and the policy text.
- Check the length of your program with the school. It must be 6 months or less.
- Check the expiry date on your work permit. It must not expire during your studies.
- Keep a copy of your valid work permit to show the school.
- Read our guides on work permits, study permit to PR and Express Entry.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study on a work permit in Canada?
Yes, if you hold a valid work permit and your program is 6 months or less. This temporary policy applies from September 4, 2026 to December 31, 2027.
Do I need to apply or pay a fee?
No. IRCC says to show your school your valid work permit.
Can I study part-time?
Yes. IRCC says you can study full-time or part-time.
Does studying full-time affect my CEC eligibility?
IRCC says work experience gained during full-time study under this policy will not count toward CEC eligibility or CRS Canadian work experience points.
What if my work permit expires during the course?
You are not eligible. IRCC says this is true even if you applied for an extension.
Can IRCC end the policy early?
Yes. The policy expires December 31, 2027 and may be revoked at any time, without prior notice.
Sources
- IRCC: Workers: study without a study permit
- IRCC: Temporary public policy, study without a study permit (2026)
- IRCC: Study without a study permit
All sources checked October 9, 2026.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
