Why Canada’s new temporary study policy matters for foreign workers

Canada has implemented a temporary policy allowing certain foreign workers to study without acquiring a separate study permit, as long as their course lasts no longer than six months. This measure, effective from September 4 and set to expire on December 31, 2027, is not a new visa or work permit category, nor a pathway to permanent residency.

Its purpose is to enable eligible foreign workers already in Canada to upgrade their skills, obtain new credentials, or professional licenses, and potentially move into higher-skilled occupations. This policy aims to address labour-market needs, particularly in sectors with shortages, such as healthcare. Eligible workers must hold a valid work permit, and the course must last six months or less.

Quebec workers are also covered, and they no longer need a study permit or a Quebec Acceptance Certificate for eligible studies. However, workers with an expired work permit are not eligible. To benefit from this measure, a foreign worker must negotiate with their employer to adjust working hours or arrangements. Importantly, this policy does not directly lead to permanent residency in Canada.

While it provides an opportunity for skill enhancement, it does not automatically qualify a worker for Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class, a Provincial Nominee Program, or any other permanent residency stream. The indirect connection to permanent residency is that additional training could improve employment prospects, making the worker more eligible for existing immigration pathways.