Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Canada’s Temporary Study Policy Opens Short Courses to Foreign Workers
Canada has made a temporary rule for some foreign workers who are already in the country.
They can take a course or program lasting six months or less without getting a separate study permit.
The rule started on September 4.
It is planned to last until December 31, 2027.
However, the Canadian immigration department can end it sooner.
This does not create a new student visa.
It also does not create a new kind of work permit.
By itself, it does not provide a direct path to a post-graduation work permit or permanent residence.
Canada now allows eligible foreign workers already in the country to study without a separate study permit.
The exemption applies to courses or programs lasting six months or less.
The temporary public policy took effect on September 4.
It is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027, but IRCC can revoke it earlier.
The policy is not a new student visa, work-permit category, or direct route to a PGWP or permanent residence.
- Who
- Eligible foreign workers already in Canada, under a policy administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
- What
- A temporary public policy allows eligible foreign workers to study in courses or programs lasting six months or less without a separate study permit.
- When
- The policy took effect on September 4 and is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2027, unless revoked earlier.
- Where
- Canada.
- Why
- To allow eligible foreign workers already in Canada to undertake short courses or programs without obtaining a separate study permit.
- Policy type
- Temporary public policy
- Eligibility
- Eligible foreign workers already in Canada
- Maximum course length
- Six months or less
- Effective date
- September 4
- Scheduled expiry
- December 31, 2027
- Early termination
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada can revoke the policy earlier
- What it does not create
- A new student visa, work-permit category, or direct route to a post-graduation work permit or permanent residence