The Canadian federal government has recently introduced a temporary policy that allows foreign workers with work permits to study in Canada without the need for a study permit.

Effective September 9, 2026, this new policy exempts work permit holders from the usual requirements for studying without a study permit.

Under this policy, work permit holders can pursue studies even if the program extends beyond their authorized stay in Canada, provided they hold a valid work permit and the study program is six months or less in duration.

Prior to this policy change, foreign nationals could only study without a permit if the program was completed before the end of their authorized stay in Canada.

The policy, which commenced on September 4, 2026, is scheduled to be in effect until December 31, 2027, with the possibility of being revoked at any time.

This exemption is valid until the expiry of the work permit or the policy, whichever comes first.

The September 9 policy is a successor to an earlier policy that expired on June 27, 2026, providing expanded study opportunities for foreign nationals who had applied for work permits prior to June 7, 2023.