Canada 2026: Some Work Permit Holders Can Study Without a Study Permit

A new federal measure lets certain people in Canada with a valid work permit take a course or study program lasting six months or less without applying for a study permit. IRCC announced the measure on September 9, 2026. It is intended to make short training, professional licensing and skills-development opportunities more accessible to workers already in Canada.

Who may qualify?

IRCC’s central published condition is holding a valid work permit. The course or program must last six months or less. The exemption applies until the work permit expires or the temporary public policy expires or is revoked, whichever happens first. The policy is currently set to expire on December 31, 2027, but IRCC may revoke it earlier.

This is not a new pathway to come to Canada: a person must already hold the relevant work permit. The measure also does not remove other applicable eligibility or admissibility requirements.

Important: full-time studies still require a study permit

A short duration alone does not establish that no study permit is needed. In its announcement, IRCC says that full-time studies will still require a study permit. Before enrolling, ask the school whether the program is considered full-time and check the conditions on your work permit. If the answer is unclear, confirm with IRCC or seek advice for your specific circumstances before starting.

What to check before you begin

• Your work permit is valid and will not expire before your planned studies end.
• The course or program is no longer than six months.
• The course format and schedule do not make it full-time study requiring a study permit.
• Your permit conditions and the school’s requirements allow your plan.
• You meet all other applicable rules; this measure does not guarantee school admission or an immigration benefit.

A temporary measure: recheck the rules before enrolling

The public policy came into effect 30 days after it was signed on August 5, 2026. Temporary policies can change. Do not rely on a summary alone before paying tuition or beginning a course: review the official text and keep a copy of the rules that apply to your situation.

Official sources

Read IRCC’s September 9, 2026 announcement and review the temporary public policy. This article is general information, not a substitute for official instructions or advice tailored to your file.