- IRCC announced a temporary policy letting workers with a valid work permit study short programs without a study permit.
- The exemption applies to studies of 6 months or less and runs until December 31, 2027, or work permit expiry.
- IRCC will begin notifying eligible holders this week, expanding access to training for workers who remain employed.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced a temporary public policy in Ottawa on September 9, 2026, letting eligible workers with a valid work permit study for up to 6 months without a study permit. The change took effect on September 4, 2026, and it remains in place until December 31, 2027, or until the work permit ends, whichever comes first. Short courses only.
IRCC said the measure is meant to help workers already in Canada build skills while they keep working, including tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians. The department tied the move to economic growth and labour gaps. Those workers stay on the job.
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The new rule does not open the door to full-time study. Students taking those programs still need separate permission. The department said it will also begin notifying eligible holders this week. The timeline is tight.
The policy was signed on August 5, 2026 by Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The legal basis is narrow. So is the exemption.
IRCC's help centre reduces the test to two lines: "you must hold a valid work permit" and "your study program must be 6 months or less in length." That keeps the rule focused on short training, licensing classes and brief programs. Longer study sits outside it.
| Key point | Rule |
|---|---|
| Start date | September 4, 2026 |
| Public announcement | September 9, 2026 |
| End date | December 31, 2027 |
| Study length | 6 months or less |
| Cutoff | work permit expiry |
Later permits now fall inside the policy
The temporary public policy also reaches people on subsequent work permits or extensions. That widens coverage beyond earlier treatment. The permit still sets the clock.
It removes an administrative hurdle for temporary workers who want short-term training, licensing or education while they keep working in Canada. The department framed the move around in-demand skills. It stays temporary.
IRCC is already reaching out
IRCC’s notice says direct outreach is underway.
"IRCC will begin notifying eligible work permit holders this week that they can study for up to 6 months or until their permit ends (whichever comes first) without applying for a study permit."
