IRCC lets eligible work permit holders take short studies without a study permit

The measure is for workers already holding a valid permit

IRCC announced a targeted temporary measure on September 9, 2026 for eligible foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit. They may take a course or program lasting six months or less without applying for a separate study permit.

IRCC says it will notify eligible work permit holders. The measure is intended for short licensing, education and training opportunities that can help workers upgrade skills while continuing to work; it is not a new route for a person outside Canada to obtain a work permit or enter Canada.

Study is limited by both the course length and the work permit

• The course or program must be six months or less.
• The exemption ends when the valid work permit expires, even if the course has not finished.
• IRCC's notice says full-time studies still require a study permit.
• All other applicable immigration requirements remain in force.

The policy removes a narrow timing restriction

The formal public policy exempts eligible workers from the part of paragraph 188(1)(c) that normally requires a short course to be completed within the period of stay authorized upon entry. The exemption lasts until the worker's permit expires, the policy expires, or it is revoked—whichever happens first.

This is narrower than the earlier 2023 worker-study policy, which had transitional eligibility tied to a work-permit application or authorization date. The 2026 policy is written around holding a valid work permit and short programs of six months or less.

The measure runs to December 31, 2027

The policy was signed August 5, 2026, took effect 30 days after signature and is scheduled to expire December 31, 2027. IRCC may revoke it earlier without notice.

Before registering, a worker should confirm the program's duration and study load, their work-permit expiry date, any professional licensing rules, and whether a study permit is still required for the intended studies.