Canada has introduced a new temporary measure allowing eligible work permit holders to take short-term courses or training programs without obtaining a study permit.
Under the new policy, foreign workers with a valid work permit can study in a program lasting six months or less, even if the course extends beyond the period of stay they were originally granted when they entered Canada.
The change is designed to make it easier for temporary workers already in Canada to upgrade their skills, obtain professional licences and qualifications, and move into higher-skilled occupations.
The measure took effect on September 4, 2026 and is scheduled to remain in place until December 31, 2027, unless the government ends it earlier.
The exemption is valid only until the worker’s current work permit expires or the temporary policy ends, whichever comes first. Full-time studies still require a study permit.
This new policy replaces an earlier measure that expired on June 27, 2026 and had mainly applied to workers whose work permit applications were submitted on or before June 7, 2023.
