Canada has introduced a temporary measure allowing eligible work permit holders already in the country to study for up to six months without obtaining a study permit.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said the measure was aimed at supporting economic growth, addressing labour shortages and helping temporary workers develop in-demand skills while continuing to work.
IRCC announced this in a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday.
The measure applies to eligible temporary workers, including tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians.
“IRCC will begin notifying eligible work permit holders this week that they can study for up to 6 months or until their permit ends (whichever comes first) without applying for a study permit,” the agency said.
According to IRCC, the measure will remove an administrative step for workers seeking short-term licensing, education or training opportunities.
It is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027.
However, the agency said full-time studies would still require a study permit.
“This measure is not a new pathway for workers to come to Canada,” IRCC clarified.
It added that the Canadian government remained committed to reducing the temporary population to less than five per cent of the total population by the end of 2027.
IRCC said the flexibility would enable temporary workers to contribute to public services, homebuilding and other nation-building projects.
“To drive economic growth, address labour gaps in key sectors and help eligible temporary workers maximize their contributions to Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing a temporary measure to allow work permit holders to study for up to 6 months without a study permit,” the agency said.
It added, “This targeted, time-limited measure will help eligible workers already in Canada—including tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians—to develop in-demand skills while continuing to work.”
The agency said Canada would continue to pursue a “balanced and sustainable approach to immigration” to strengthen the economy, meet workforce needs and align arrivals with community capacity.
“This flexibility supports these objectives and helps build Canada strong,” it said.
