Canada’s immigration, refugees and citizenship department has launched a temporary policy allowing foreign workers with a valid work permit to take short courses without a study permit. The program is meant to support skills upgrading and requires close attention to its conditions.

Purpose and Duration of the Program

The policy aims to support Canada’s labour market needs in key sectors, including healthcare. The Canadian government has acknowledged the value of foreign workers to the economy and given them flexibility to gain additional qualifications. The program has been in effect since September 2026 and will remain valid until December 31, 2027.

At the same time, authorities note that studying without a study permit is a way to improve labour market conditions and strengthen prospects for permanent residence for foreign workers.

Who Can Study Without a Study Permit

The program is available to foreign nationals already in Canada who hold a valid work permit. Study is only allowed for programs lasting 6 months or less.

The program length limit is a key condition. A foreign national may study for 6 months or less until their work permit expires — whichever comes first. Extending a study permit under this arrangement is not possible.

Program Conditions and Limits

  • Valid work permitrequiredThe foreign national must be in Canada with an active work permit
  • Course durationup to 6 monthsExactly 6 months or less; longer programs require a study permit
  • Study perioduntil December 31, 2027Temporary policy; rules may change after this date
  • Study permit extensionnot possibleStudy cannot be extended while in this status
  • Full-time studyrequires a separate applicationIn that case work experience does not count toward immigration

Restriction for Full-Time Studies

If a foreign national chooses full-time study, they must apply separately for a study permit. In that case, work done while studying in student status does not count toward Canadian work experience.

This means that professional activity during full-time study will not be counted toward points in the Express Entry system (Canadian Experience Class and CRS) under any circumstances. A foreign national cannot simultaneously study full-time, work, and accumulate experience for immigration programs.

Difference Between Full-Time and Part-Time Study

The policy creates two paths: a worker can either continue working and accumulating experience, or study full-time — but then the experience gained during that period won’t count in the future. Part-time programs are the more advantageous option for those aiming for permanent residence, as they allow work experience to accumulate in parallel.

Retraining programs (such as PSW — personal support worker — courses), if shorter than 6 months, fit this policy exactly and allow workers to upgrade their qualifications without leaving their jobs.

The decision was announced by the immigration minister in August 2026, with an order to take effect within 30 days. The policy then came into force in September. Notably, authorities openly speak of strengthening pathways to permanent residence for workers, which runs counter to the traditional principle of work visas (a promise to return to one’s home country).

However, in this document the government clearly states that it wants foreign workers to improve their qualifications while staying in Canada, with real prospects of becoming permanent residents. This is an acknowledgment of dual intent — a common phenomenon among foreign workers who see Canada as a possible home.