Canada Lets Foreign Workers Study for Six Months Without Separate Permit Until 2027

Canada has introduced a temporary policy allowing eligible foreign workers already in the country to study for up to six months without a separate study permit. The policy took effect on September 4, 2026, and runs until December 31, 2027, unless revoked earlier.

Who qualifies

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says workers must hold a valid Canadian work permit and enrol in a course or programme lasting six months or less. Eligible workers can study full time or part time without applying for a separate study permit. The measure applies to qualifying work permit holders across different occupations.

Workers in Quebec are also eligible and do not need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate for studies covered by the policy. But the work permit must remain valid throughout the study period. Workers whose permits have expired, or will expire before their courses end, cannot rely on the exemption, even if they have applied for an extension.

The policy does not automatically grant foreign nationals permission to enter Canada for employment or education. Applicants must already be in Canada with a valid work permit.

Skills and labour needs

IRCC says the policy is designed to help workers develop in-demand skills, obtain professional credentials and improve their employment prospects. The government said it could also help address labour shortages in key sectors, including healthcare, construction and other industries that require specialised skills.

For employers, the measure could support workforce development by allowing existing employees to undertake relevant training while keeping their jobs. Workers may need to agree with their employers on adjustments to working hours if their courses affect their regular schedules.

Permanent residence caveat

The policy has implications for people pursuing permanent residence through Canada's immigration system. IRCC says work experience gained while studying full time under this policy will not count towards eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class or Canadian work experience points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System.

Canada's temporary study exemption is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2027, although the government can revoke it earlier. Workers interested in using the measure should check the official eligibility requirements before enrolling in a programme. The policy gives eligible foreign workers already living and working in Canada more flexibility, but it does not replace existing immigration, employment or professional licensing requirements.

For Nigerian professionals eyeing Canada, the change could make short skills upgrades easier for those already on valid work permits. It does not open a new route into Canada, and full-time study under the exemption will not help Express Entry points through Canadian work experience.