A new IRCC policy, effective September 4, 2026, removes a longstanding barrier for foreign workers wanting to upgrade skills or credentials while employed in Canada
Canada's immigration department (IRCC) has introduced a temporary public policy allowing anyone who holds a valid Canadian work permit to study a program of six months or less without applying for a separate study permit. The policy, effective September 4, 2026, closes a gap that previously affected workers on extended or renewed work permits — a change relevant to many former international students now working in Canada.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Effective date: September 4, 2026
- Who qualifies: Anyone holding a valid Canadian work permit — including extended or renewed permits, not just an initial one
- What's allowed: Studying a program of six months or less, without a separate study permit application
- What's new specifically: Previously, this short-course exemption only applied if the course finished within your originally authorized stay; it now also covers workers who've since extended or renewed their permit from within Canada
- Targeted use case: IRCC has specifically named tradespeople, nurses, and laboratory technicians as workers likely to benefit, for licensing or credential-upgrading courses
- Policy end date: Scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2027, unless revoked earlier
- Important limitation: Full-time study of six months or less under this exemption does not count toward Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility or Express Entry CRS points
What this means if you're already working in Canada
If you completed your studies in Canada and are now working there on a work permit, this policy removes a real administrative hurdle: short licensing, certification, or upskilling courses no longer require a separate study permit application, provided the course is six months or less and you hold a valid work permit throughout. This is particularly useful for anyone needing a credential to move into a regulated profession or a higher-skilled role, without pausing employment to apply for study authorisation.
One important caveat: if you're planning your path to permanent residence through Express Entry, be aware that full-time study time under this exemption doesn't count toward Canadian work experience for CEC or CRS purposes — worth factoring in if your PR timeline depends on continuous qualifying work experience.
What you can do
- If you hold a valid Canadian work permit and are considering a short course for licensing or skill upgrading, check whether it qualifies under this exemption before applying for a study permit you may not need.
- Confirm the course duration is six months or less and that your work permit remains valid throughout the course.
- If your goal includes permanent residence through Express Entry, weigh the CEC/CRS work-experience implications before enrolling in a full-time short course under this policy.
Many of today's Canada-based professionals first prepared for their journey with IRS Group's IELTS and PTE training before heading abroad. If you're now working in Canada and considering a short course under this new exemption, IRS Study Abroad and IRS Group are glad to help you think through the details — as part of the same community that supported your journey from the start.
