Can Work Permit Holders Study in Canada Without a Study Permit? What the 2026 Policy Means
A temporary Canadian immigration policy is giving eligible foreign workers more flexibility to upgrade their skills while they remain employed in Canada.
Since September 4, 2026, certain people who hold valid Canadian work permits may take a short course or program without first obtaining a study permit. The program must be six months or shorter, and the worker’s permit must remain valid for the entire period of study.
Who may qualify?
A foreign worker may be eligible when both of the following conditions are met:
The person holds a valid Canadian work permit.
The course or program is six months or less in length.
The authorization lasts only until the course ends, the work permit expires, or the temporary policy ends, whichever happens first. The public policy is currently scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027, although immigration policies can be changed or revoked.
A pending work permit application is not enough
The worker must continue to hold a valid work permit. A person cannot rely on this measure after the permit expires, even if an application for an extension, a new work permit, a study permit or visitor status is still being processed.
A school or training institution may ask for proof that the person is authorized to study. In that situation, the valid work permit can be presented as evidence.
Full-time study may affect immigration planning
The policy permits eligible workers to study either full-time or part-time. However, work experience gained while studying full-time under this measure will not count toward eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class or toward Canadian-work-experience points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System.
This distinction matters for workers who are building Canadian experience for a future permanent residence application. The convenience of studying without a separate permit should therefore be considered together with the person’s longer-term immigration plans.
What about a co-op placement?
A worker whose course includes a co-op placement may need another employer-specific work permit if the co-op employer or occupation differs from the employer or occupation authorized by the existing permit. Holders of open work permits generally do not need a separate permit for the co-op placement.
Programs longer than six months
This temporary measure is limited to programs lasting six months or less. Anyone planning a longer program should determine whether a study permit is required before enrolling or beginning studies.
Plan before registering
Short-term study can be useful for professional licensing, upgrading workplace skills or completing targeted training. Before registering, workers should confirm the length of the program, the expiry date and conditions of their work permit, any co-op requirements, and the possible effect of full-time study on future immigration eligibility.
Borama Immigration Consulting can review a worker’s circumstances and explain how the study option may fit into an overall immigration plan.
Official sources
Ministerial public policy: Temporary public policy to allow foreign nationals with valid work permits to study without a study permit
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules and public policies may change. Individual eligibility depends on the person’s circumstances and the requirements in force when a decision is made.
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