Public policy allowing some work permit holders to study without a study permit
As of September 4, 2026, a temporary public policy allows eligible foreign workers to study without a study permit for 6 months or less.
On this page
- Who’s eligible
- Work permit conditions
- How to prove you’re eligible to study without a study permit
- If you want to start a co-op work placement
- If you study full-time
Who’s eligible
You may be eligible to study without a study permit for 6 months or less while you work.
To be eligible
- you must hold a valid work permit
- your study program must be 6 months or less in length
If your work permit is valid, you’re authorized to study for 6 months or less or until your work permit expires, whichever comes first. You can study full-time or part-time under this temporary public policy.
If your work permit expires
You must have a valid work permit to be eligible. You can’t study without a study permit if your work permit has expired or if it will expire while you’re studying.
This means you’re not eligible to study, even if you applied for any of the following:
- a work permit extension
- a new work permit
- a study permit
- an extension of your stay in Canada as a visitor
Workers in Quebec
Workers in Quebec are eligible to study in Quebec without a study permit under this temporary public policy as of September 4, 2026.
If you meet the eligibility criteria under this public policy, you don’t need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) to study.
The temporary CAQ exemption for studies and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s temporary public policy both come into effect on September 4, 2026.
Visit the MIFI website for more information about studying in Quebec.
Work permit conditions
Normally, you must meet the conditions of your work permit. Under this temporary measure, you don’t have to meet any conditions on your work permit that are related to studying.
It’s your responsibility to come to an agreement with your employer if you want to change any of the conditions of your employment contract. For example, to study, you may need to work fewer hours than the number listed on your employment contract.
How to prove you’re eligible to study without a study permit
The learning institution where you plan to study may ask you to prove you’re eligible to study without a study permit.
If they request this proof, you must provide your valid work permit.
If you want to start a co-op work placement
If you also want to start a co-op work placement while you’re studying without a study permit, you may need to apply for a new employer-specific work permit before your co-op placement starts.
You need a new work permit only if your co-op employer or occupation is different from your current employer or occupation. The conditions on your new work permit must match your new co‑op employer or occupation. In this case, you’ll hold 2 valid work permits at the same time:
- the original work permit that you used to apply for this temporary public policy
- a second work permit authorizing you to complete your co-op placement
Open work permit holders don’t need to apply for a new work permit.
If you study full-time
If you’re studying full-time under this temporary public policy, any work experience you gain during your studies won’t count toward your
- eligibility for the Canada experience class
- Canadian work experience points under Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System