Canada allows eligible work permit holders to study without permit

Canada has announced a temporary policy allowing eligible work permit holders already in the country to pursue up to six months of study without needing a separate study permit. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the measure to boost economic growth, address labour shortages, and enable temporary workers to acquire in-demand skills while maintaining employment.

The policy applies to temporary workers in trades, healthcare, and laboratory fields. IRCC will notify eligible holders this week that they can study for up to six months or until their permit expires, whichever is sooner, without applying for a study permit. The measure aims to streamline administrative steps for workers seeking short-term education or training opportunities.

However, full-time studies would still necessitate a study permit. IRCC emphasizes that this flexibility is not a new pathway for workers to enter Canada and that the government remains committed to reducing the temporary population to less than five percent of the total population by the end of 2027. The flexibility enables temporary workers to contribute to public services, construction, and other nation-building projects, driving economic growth and addressing labour gaps in critical sectors.