Canada Introduces New Study Option for Work Permit Holders

Introduction

Canada has introduced a new temporary public policy that gives certain work permit holders more flexibility to study in Canada.

Under this policy, eligible individuals can study at an institution of their choice without getting a study permit if their course or program lasts 6 months or less.

The new measure took effect on September 4, 2026.

However, this option comes with certain conditions. Therefore, work permit holders should understand the rules before enrolling in a course.

What Has Canada Changed?

Normally, people who want to study in Canada may need a study permit, depending on the type and length of their program.

However, some work permit holders already have an exception that allows them to study for up to 6 months.

Now, the Canadian government has extended similar study authorization to certain individuals who hold a subsequent permit, such as a work permit extension.

As a result, eligible work permit holders can take a short program without submitting a separate study permit application.

Who Can Study Without a Study Permit?

This temporary public policy applies to individuals who hold a qualifying work permit or subsequent permit.

For example, the policy can benefit certain people who have received a work permit extension.

Importantly, eligible individuals do not need to submit a separate application to use this measure. IRCC has already identified eligible people based on the work permit they currently hold.

However, eligibility does not mean that studying is mandatory. Work permit holders can choose whether they want to take advantage of this option.

How Long Can You Study Without a Study Permit?

The main condition is the length of the program.

Under the new policy, the course or program must last 6 months or less.

Therefore, someone who wants to take a short course can potentially study without applying for a study permit.

On the other hand, if the program lasts more than 6 months, the person must apply for and obtain a study permit before starting the longer program.

What Happens When Your Work Permit Expires?

The study authorization under this policy does not continue indefinitely.

Your authorization to study ends on whichever comes first:

• The date your work permit expires, or
• The date the temporary public policy expires.

Therefore, even if you maintain your status after your work permit expires, you cannot continue studying under this specific measure.

This is an important point for work permit holders who plan to study while remaining in Canada.

Do You Need to Apply for This Policy?

No, Eligible individuals do not need to submit a separate application to receive this authorization.

IRCC has already identified eligible individuals based on their current work permit.

However, students must still meet all applicable requirements before enrolling in a program.

What Should You Do If You Decide to Study?

If you qualify and want to take a course, there are a few important steps to follow.

Check the Program Length

First, confirm that your course or program lasts 6 months or less.

If the program exceeds 6 months, you will need to apply for a study permit.

Check Your Work Permit Expiry Date

Next, check how long your current work permit remains valid.

Your authorization to study under this policy cannot continue after your work permit expires.

Therefore, make sure your study plans fit within the validity of your work permit.

Keep the IRCC Email

IRCC recommends that eligible individuals save the email informing them about this temporary policy.

You should keep a copy for your records because an educational institution may ask for proof that IRCC has confirmed your eligibility to study without a study permit.

What If You Want to Study for More Than 6 Months?

If you want to complete a program that lasts longer than 6 months, this temporary policy will not cover your studies.

Instead, you must apply for and obtain a study permit before continuing with the longer program.

Similarly, if you want to continue studying after your work permit expires or after the public policy ends, you will need the appropriate authorization to continue your studies.

Why Is This Update Important for Work Permit Holders?

This change gives eligible work permit holders an additional option to improve their education or skills while they remain in Canada.

For example, a person may want to complete a short professional course, upgrade their skills or take another short program without going through a separate study permit application.

However, work permit holders should carefully check the conditions before enrolling because the authorization has a clear time limit.

Important Things to Remember

Here are the key points work permit holders should keep in mind:

• The temporary public policy started on September 4, 2026.
• Eligible work permit holders can study without a study permit.
• The program must last 6 months or less.
• Eligible individuals do not need to submit a separate application for this measure.
• The authorization ends when the work permit expires or when the public policy expires, whichever comes first.
• Maintaining status after work permit expiry does not extend the study authorization under this policy.
• Anyone who wants to study for more than 6 months must obtain a study permit.
• Eligible individuals should keep the IRCC email for their records.

Final Takeaway

Canada’s new temporary public policy gives certain work permit holders a convenient option to study short programs without obtaining a separate study permit.

However, the option comes with important limits. The program must last 6 months or less, and the authorization cannot continue beyond the validity of the work permit or the public policy.

Therefore, work permit holders should check their eligibility, confirm the course duration and keep the IRCC notification for their records before enrolling.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).