New IRCC Policy: Some Work Permit Holders Can Study in Canada Without a Study Permit
Do you have a valid Canadian work permit and want to study while you work?
There is an important new development.
As of September 4, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a temporary public policy that allows eligible foreign workers to study in Canada without a study permit if their program is 6 months or less. This temporary public policy is valid until December 31, 2027.
IRCC Has Started Sending Letters to Eligible Workers
IRCC has also started sending letters to workers who appear to be eligible under the new public policy.
If you receive a letter from IRCC, read it carefully and keep it with your immigration records. The letter may confirm that you are eligible to study under the temporary public policy and provide information about the conditions that apply to you.
Not receiving a letter does not necessarily mean that you are not eligible. Eligibility depends on the requirements of the public policy and your individual circumstances.
If you receive an IRCC letter about this policy, it is important to review the details before enrolling in a program.
This can be a valuable opportunity for temporary foreign workers and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who want to upgrade their skills, take additional training or pursue short-term studies while working in Canada.
But there is an important caveat:
If you study full-time under this public policy, the work experience you gain during your studies will not count toward Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility or Canadian work experience points under Express Entry's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
That distinction is very important for workers who are also planning their pathway to permanent residence.
Who Can Study Without a Study Permit?
Under IRCC's new temporary public policy, you may be eligible if:
You hold a valid work permit; and
Your program of study is 6 months or less.
If you meet these requirements, you can study without a study permit for up to 6 months, or until your work permit expires, whichever comes first.
Does This Apply to PGWP Holders?
Yes, potentially.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a work permit. Therefore, a PGWP holder with a valid permit may be eligible to study under this new public policy, provided the other requirements are met.
For example, a PGWP holder may want to take a short professional course, skills-training program or other program that can be completed within six months.
The worker may be able to study without applying for a separate study permit.
However, being allowed to study is not the same as saying that the studies will have no effect on your immigration plans.
That is particularly important if you are working toward permanent residence.
The Most Important Caveat: Your CEC Work Experience
This is the part that workers planning to apply for permanent residence need to understand.
IRCC specifically states that if you study full-time under this temporary public policy, any work experience you gain during your full-time studies will not count toward:
eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC); or
Canadian work experience points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Why does this matter?
Many temporary foreign workers and PGWP holders are accumulating Canadian work experience with the goal of eventually applying for permanent residence through Express Entry.
Suppose a worker is building Canadian work experience for a future CEC application and decides to enrol in a full-time program under this new public policy.
The worker may continue working while studying.
But the work experience gained during the period of full-time studies will not count toward CEC eligibility or Canadian work experience CRS points.
In other words, the new policy may give you permission to study and work at the same time, but it does not mean that the work experience you accumulate during full-time studies will automatically be treated as qualifying Canadian work experience for CEC purposes.
Think about your immigration goal before you enroll
If your primary goal is to qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry, you should consider whether studying full-time is worth the potential impact on your Canadian work experience.
For some workers, additional education or training may be the priority.
For others, accumulating qualifying Canadian work experience may be more important.
There is no one answer for everyone.
The important thing is to understand the immigration consequences before you make the decision to enrol.
How Long Can You Study?
The maximum period under this policy is 6 months.
You may study for up to 6 months, or until your work permit expires, whichever comes first.
For example, if your work permit expires in four months, you cannot rely on this policy to continue studying for an additional two months after your work permit expires.
What If Your Program Is Longer Than 6 Months?
The temporary public policy does not cover programs longer than six months.
If you want to study in a program that is longer than six months, you may need a study permit.
Do not assume that having a work permit automatically gives you authorization to study a longer program.
Can You Continue Working While Studying?
Yes. The policy is designed to allow eligible workers to study while they work.
However, immigration authorization to study does not automatically change your employment contract.
For example, if your studies require you to reduce your working hours, you may need to reach an agreement with your employer.
What If the Program Has a Co-op?
Some programs include a co-op or work-placement component.
If you are studying without a study permit under this policy and want to begin a co-op placement, you may need another work permit.
If you hold an employer-specific work permit and the co-op involves a different employer or occupation, additional work authorization may be required.
Open work permit holders do not need to apply for a new work permit for the co-op placement under this policy.
What Happened to the Previous Rules?
Gateway to Canada previously discussed the rules surrounding studying while holding a PGWP or other work permit in our article, "Studying While on a PGWP or Work Permit in Canada: What You Need to Know."
That article provides useful background on the general rules.
The important development now is that IRCC has introduced a new temporary public policy effective September 4, 2026, specifically allowing eligible work permit holders to study for up to six months without a study permit.
Because immigration policies can change, workers should always check the current IRCC rules rather than relying only on older information.
Before You Enrol, Ask These Questions
If you are a temporary foreign worker or PGWP holder considering studies, check:
1. Do I have a valid work permit?
2. Is my program 6 months or less?
3. Will my work permit remain valid for the entire period I intend to study?
4. Will I be studying full-time?
If yes, understand that work experience gained during your full-time studies will not count toward CEC eligibility or Canadian work experience CRS points.
5. Does my program include a co-op or work placement?
If yes, determine whether you need another work permit.
6. Is permanent residence through Express Entry part of my plan?
If yes, consider the effect of your studies on your Canadian work experience.
The Bottom Line
The new IRCC public policy provides an important opportunity for eligible temporary foreign workers and PGWP holders.
As of September 4, 2026, eligible workers with a valid work permit may study in Canada for up to 6 months without a study permit.
IRCC has also started sending letters to workers who appear to be eligible under the policy.
If you receive one, take the time to understand what it means before enrolling in a program.
And remember the most important caveat for workers planning for Express Entry:
If you study full-time under this public policy, the work experience you gain during your studies will not count toward CEC eligibility or Canadian work experience CRS points.
So before you enroll, look beyond the classroom.
Consider your work permit, program length, study schedule, co-op requirements and permanent residence strategy.
A short course may be a great opportunity to improve your skills. But if you are also building Canadian work experience for permanent residence, the timing of your studies can matter.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Workers who can study without a study permit.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules and public policies can change. Always check the latest Government of Canada information or consult an authorized immigration professional about your individual circumstances.
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