New IRCC Measure Allows Eligible Work Permit Holders to Pursue Short-Term Studies Without a Study Permit
Published: September 2026
A new temporary immigration measure is giving many foreign workers already in Canada greater flexibility to upgrade their skills and pursue short-term education.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy allowing eligible foreign nationals who hold a valid Canadian work permit to study in a course or program lasting six months or less without first obtaining a separate study permit.
The measure came into effect on September 4, 2026, and is currently scheduled to remain available until December 31, 2027.
Who may be eligible?
According to IRCC, individuals may be eligible to study under the temporary measure if they:
- hold a valid Canadian work permit; and
- enrol in a course or program of study that does not exceed six months.
The authorization to study continues for up to six months or until the individual’s work permit expires, whichever occurs first.
Students may also be asked by their educational institution to demonstrate that they qualify for the exemption. IRCC indicates that a valid work permit can be used as evidence of eligibility.
Why did Canada introduce this measure?
The Government of Canada says the policy is intended to make it easier for temporary workers who are already contributing to the Canadian economy to develop additional skills.
Short-term education can help workers pursue professional licensing, obtain additional credentials, update existing skills or prepare for opportunities in occupations experiencing labour shortages.
IRCC has specifically identified areas such as health care, skilled trades and other essential sectors as areas where additional workforce skills are important to Canada’s economy and public services.
For workers already living in Canada, the change may therefore create more opportunities to pursue focused career training without going through a separate study-permit application for an eligible short-term program.
What does the six-month limit mean?
The program itself must be six months or less in duration.
If a person wants to pursue studies extending beyond the permitted period, a study permit may be required.
Eligibility can also depend on the validity and conditions of the person’s existing immigration status. Anyone considering a program should review the most recent IRCC requirements before enrolling.
What this could mean for working professionals in Canada
For many work permit holders, returning to school previously meant considering an additional immigration application alongside employment and other responsibilities.
The temporary measure is intended to reduce that administrative barrier for eligible short-term training.
This can be particularly relevant for working professionals looking to:
- develop job-specific skills;
- obtain additional career training;
- prepare for professional or licensing requirements;
- transition into a new area of employment; or
- strengthen their qualifications while remaining active in the workforce.
Important immigration considerations
The new measure does not create a new immigration pathway and does not automatically change an individual’s work permit, permanent residence eligibility or other immigration conditions.
Immigration consequences can also vary depending on whether a person studies full-time, the type of work permit they hold and the immigration program they may later use.
Students should always review the latest information published directly by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and obtain professional immigration advice when necessary.
Continuing education at Toronto Academy of Education
Toronto Academy of Education offers career-focused training designed to help learners build practical skills for today’s workforce.
Individuals interested in short-term training are encouraged to speak with our admissions team about available programs and program durations.
Eligibility to study without a study permit is determined by IRCC and depends on each individual’s immigration circumstances.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Government of Canada. Temporary public policy effective September 4, 2026.
