Canada / Work Routes
In effectCanada Lets Some Work Permit Holders Study Up to 6 Months Without a Study Permit
From September 9, 2026 to December 31, 2027, eligible work permit holders in Canada can take up to 6 months of training without a study permit.
StudyImmigration News Desk · Published
Key facts
- IRCC notice dated September 9, 2026.
- Eligible work permit holders can study up to 6 months, or until their permit ends, without a study permit.
- Measure runs until December 31, 2027.
- Full-time studies still require a study permit; this is not a new way to come to Canada.
- IRCC said it would start notifying eligible workers the week of the notice.
Who it affects: Eligible temporary workers already in Canada, such as tradespeople, nurses and lab technicians, who need short-term training or licensing courses.
Official source: IRCC notice: Maximizing contributions of temporary workers already in Canada
What happened
On September 9, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a temporary measure that lets eligible work permit holders study for up to 6 months without a study permit. The measure is in place until December 31, 2027. The study period is up to 6 months or until the work permit expires, whichever comes first.
IRCC said the goal is to help workers already in Canada complete short-term licensing, education or training so they can contribute more in key sectors, public services and home building. It named tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians as examples.
Who is affected
Work permit holders already in Canada whom IRCC identifies as eligible. IRCC said it would begin notifying eligible workers the week of the announcement. The notice does not publish a full list of eligibility criteria, so do not assume you qualify unless IRCC contacts you or publishes further guidance.
The measure does not cover full-time studies, which still need a study permit. IRCC also stated that it is not a new pathway for coming to Canada.
What it means for your move
For many workers, the barrier to permanent residence is a missing Canadian licence or credential, for example in nursing or the regulated trades. Being able to take a bridging or licensing course without a separate study permit application removes a step and a wait. A recognized licence can also help with provincial nominee streams and Express Entry categories that target healthcare and trades.
The government restated its goal of bringing temporary residents below 5% of the population by the end of 2027, so this measure is about using workers already here, not admitting more.
What to do now
- Check your IRCC account and email for a notification about this measure.
- Confirm that your course is part-time or short-term and finishes within 6 months and before your work permit expires.
- If your course is full-time or longer, apply for a study permit instead.
- Ask your regulator which course gets you licensed, then check how that licence helps your provincial nominee or Express Entry options.
- Employer-specific permit holders should keep meeting their permit conditions. See our LMIA guide. A licensed consultant (RCIC) can confirm your situation.
What happens next
The measure ends on December 31, 2027 unless IRCC extends it. Watch for more eligibility guidance from IRCC and for the 2027-2029 Levels Plan, due by November 1, 2026. Follow our Canada page and updates.
Sources
News report, not legal advice. Status reflects the position on the last updated date; check the official source before you act. Part of the weekly briefing and the Canada changes tracker .
Cite this page
StudyImmigration. (September 9, 2026). Canada Lets Some Work Permit Holders Study Up to 6 Months Without a Study Permit. https://studyimmigration.com/news/work-permit-holders-study-without-study-permit-2026/
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