published on 2 October 2026 @ 2:49 pm · COMMENT

New Flexibility for Temporary Workers to Pursue Short-Term Studies

Temporary workers in Canada now have greater flexibility to pursue short-term education and training while continuing to work.

A new temporary public policy allows foreign nationals with valid work permits to study without a study permit in a course or program lasting six months or less. Importantly, the policy removes the requirement that the program be completed within the period of stay that was authorized when the worker initially entered Canada.

This addresses a practical situation that can arise when a worker has since extended their status in Canada and holds a work permit that remains valid beyond their original period of authorized stay. The change may be particularly useful for workers pursuing short-term training, professional licensing or additional credentials.

For workers in Quebec, the change also brings an additional benefit. Eligible work permit holders can take a course or program of up to six months without a study permit and without obtaining a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for those studies. The federal study-permit exemption and the corresponding temporary exemption from the CAQ requirement both took effect on September 4, 2026. This provides eligible workers in Quebec with additional flexibility to pursue short-term training or education while maintaining their work authorization.

IRCC says the measure is intended to help workers already in Canada upgrade their skills and move into higher-skilled occupations, while supporting labour needs in areas such as healthcare.

The policy is currently scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027. Other applicable eligibility and admissibility requirements continue to apply.

For temporary workers considering short-term studies, the new policy provides additional flexibility — but it is important to distinguish this exemption from the broader requirements that apply to longer or full-time programs, which continue to require a study permit.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE