Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Canada Allows Temporary Workers Short Courses Without Study Permits
Canada has created a temporary rule for some foreign workers.
If they have a valid work permit, they can take a course lasting up to six months without getting another permit.
They can study only until their work permit expires if that happens sooner.
The rule will continue until December 31, 2027.
It may help workers learn new skills or earn professional licences.
Healthcare, laboratory and trade workers could benefit from it.
The policy may also support jobs in construction and other essential services.
Workers cannot use this rule to attend full-time studies lasting more than six months.
An analyst said the change could attract some Indian workers facing difficulties in the United States.
Eligible foreign workers with valid Canadian work permits can take courses lasting up to six months without a separate study permit.
The policy applies until December 31, 2027, or until a worker’s permit expires, whichever comes first.
The measure is intended to help workers upgrade skills, obtain licences and move into higher-skilled jobs.
Healthcare, laboratory and trade workers are among those highlighted, alongside labour needs in construction and essential services.
Full-time studies and courses longer than six months still require a separate study permit.
- Who
- Eligible foreign workers with valid Canadian work permits, including potentially Indian professionals.
- What
- Canada introduced a temporary policy allowing qualifying workers to take courses of up to six months without a separate study permit.
- When
- The measure remains in effect until December 31, 2027, subject to the worker’s permit expiry.
- Where
- Canada; the article was reported from Hyderabad.
- Why
- To help temporary workers upgrade skills, obtain professional licences, move into higher-skilled jobs and support labour needs.
- Maximum study period
- Up to six months
- Eligibility
- Foreign workers holding valid Canadian work permits
- End date
- December 31, 2027
- Earlier deadline
- The worker’s study access ends when the work permit expires if that occurs first
- Targeted sectors
- Healthcare, laboratories and trades
- Labour needs
- Construction and other essential services
- Key restriction
- Full-time studies or programmes longer than six months require a separate study permit