Canada allows eligible work permit holders to study without permit

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Canada has introduced a temporary measure allowing eligible work permit holders already in the country to study for up to six months without obtaining a study permit.

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said the measure was aimed at supporting economic growth, addressing labour shortages and helping temporary workers develop in-demand skills while continuing to work.

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IRCC announced this in a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday.

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The measure applies to eligible temporary workers, including tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians.

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“IRCC will begin notifying eligible work permit holders this week that they can study for up to 6 months or until their permit ends (whichever comes first) without applying for a study permit,” the agency said.

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According to IRCC, the measure will remove an administrative step for workers seeking short-term licensing, education or training opportunities.

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It is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027.

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However, the agency said full-time studies would still require a study permit.

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“This measure is not a new pathway for workers to come to Canada,” IRCC clarified.

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It added that the Canadian government remained committed to reducing the temporary population to less than five per cent of the total population by the end of 2027.

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IRCC said the flexibility would enable temporary workers to contribute to public services, homebuilding and other nation-building projects.

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“To drive economic growth, address labour gaps in key sectors and help eligible temporary workers maximize their contributions to Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing a temporary measure to allow work permit holders to study for up to 6 months without a study permit,” the agency said.

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It added, “This targeted, time-limited measure will help eligible workers already in Canada—including tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians—to develop in-demand skills while continuing to work.”

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The agency said Canada would continue to pursue a “balanced and sustainable approach to immigration” to strengthen the economy, meet workforce needs and align arrivals with community capacity.

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“This flexibility supports these objectives and helps build Canada strong,” it said.

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