Studying While on a PGWP or Work Permit in Canada: What You Need to Know

Many Work Permit holders, including Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders in Canada, consider taking short programs to gain new skills or explore different career paths. A common assumption is that if the course is less than six months long, a study permit isn’t required. While this can be true in some cases, it’s not always that simple — and misunderstanding the rule could have serious immigration consequences.

The General Rule: IRPR 188(1)(c)

Under section 188(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), a foreign national can study in Canada without a study permit only if:

“The duration of their course or program of studies is six months or less and will be completed within the period for their stay authorized upon entry into Canada.”

This means the course must be both short-term (six months or less) and completed within the period you were originally allowed to stay when you first entered Canada. That “upon entry” condition is where many people get it wrong.

The Case of Zhang v. Canada (2016 FC 964)

In this Federal Court case, Ms. Jin Zhang entered Canada as a visitor and enrolled in a 14-week English course. Her visitor visa was valid until February 23, 2015, but the course extended beyond that date. Although she later obtained a visa extension, the officer determined that she had studied without authorization, since her studies were not completed within the period authorized “upon entry.”

The Court upheld this decision, confirming that the rule must be interpreted strictly — the exemption under IRPR 188(1)(c) applies only to studies completed during the original authorized stay, not during any extensions or new permits.

Why This Matters If you Plan to Study While on a PGWP

If you’re currently on a PGWP, your status is based on a work permit, not your original study permit. That means the six-month exemption under IRPR 188(1)(c) might not apply in your case. If you enroll in a course without proper authorization, even a short one, it could be considered unauthorized study — potentially affecting future applications for permit extensions or permanent residence.

The 2023 Temporary Public Policy

To provide more flexibility, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a Temporary Public Policy on June 27, 2023, allowing certain work-permit holders to study without a study permit.

Under this policy, which is in effect until June 27, 2026, eligible individuals can study full-time or part-time without needing a study permit, as long as their work permit remains valid.

To qualify, you must:

• Hold a valid work permit, or

• Have applied for a renewal before June 7, 2023.

If your PGWP was issued after that date or doesn’t meet the criteria, the standard IRPR 188(1)(c) rule still applies.

Studying Online

If your program is offered fully online and does not require you to attend classes in person in Canada, a study permit is generally not required, regardless of your immigration status. However, hybrid or in-person programs still require careful review.

What You Should Do Before You Enroll

Before starting any course while on a PGWP, it’s best to confirm your eligibility directly with IRCC. You can call the IRCC Client Support Centre at 1-888-242-2100 and ask whether your planned studies are allowed under your current status.

During your call, you may also request that IRCC send written confirmation by email summarizing what the agent explained regarding your eligibility to study. Having this written confirmation provides an official record in case questions arise later about your status or compliance with immigration rules.

Keep a note of the agent’s name or ID number, the date of your call, and any reference number provided.

Getting this confirmation before enrolling helps prevent unintentional violations of your work permit conditions — and protects your future immigration applications.

Final Thoughts

The Zhang v. Canada case shows that even short, seemingly harmless studies can lead to findings of unauthorized study if the rules aren’t followed carefully. While the 2023 Public Policy provides some flexibility for PGWP and other work-permit holders, it’s temporary and ends in June 2026.

If you plan to study while holding a PGWP, always verify your eligibility first. A quick phone call — and an email confirmation from IRCC — can save you from long-term immigration issues down the road.