Take Programs Under 6 Months in Canada Without a Study Permit While on a Work Permit: New Policy Effective September 4, 2026

2026-10-04 · Guides

A temporary public policy by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) takes effect on September 4, 2026: individuals with a valid work permit can take programs of 6 months or less in Canada without a study permit, for up to the expiration of their work permit; the policy expires on December 31, 2027. This article explains who is eligible, how it applies to Quebec, and the impact on CEC and Express Entry.

Bottom line: Starting September 4, 2026, individuals in Canada with a valid work permit can take courses of 6 months or less without applying for a study permit, provided their work permit remains valid. This is a temporary public policy that expires on December 31, 2027. One crucial point to note: if studying full-time, work experience gained during this period does not count toward Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility, nor does it count toward Canadian work experience points in Express Entry.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the policy, who it applies to, and key considerations. The following information is current as of October 4, 2026.

What the Policy Says

The official name of this policy is the "Temporary public policy to allow foreign nationals with valid work permits to study without a study permit." According to the original text published by IRCC:

Signed and effective: Signed by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration on August 5, 2026, and takes effect 30 days later, on September 4, 2026.
Expiration: December 31, 2027.
Condition: The individual must hold a valid work permit.
Program length: Programs of 6 months or less.
Duration of study: Up to the expiration date of the work permit.

How It Differs from Previous Rules

Canada already had a rule allowing individuals to take courses of 6 months or less without a study permit. However, under immigration regulations, these short-term programs had to be completed within the authorized period of stay upon entry.

The new policy exempts work permit holders from the requirement to complete the program within their authorized stay upon entry, shifting the focus to the validity of the work permit: as long as the work permit is valid, they can study. IRCC states that the policy aims to provide more flexibility for workers in Canada to pursue short-term training, help alleviate labor shortages in critical sectors like healthcare, and strengthen pathways to permanent residency.

Who Is Eligible

The policy itself lists only one condition: holding a valid work permit, without specifying the type. For families from China, common scenarios include:

Parents with an open spousal work permit: Their child or spouse is studying in Canada, and they are accompanying them on a spousal work permit, looking to take a short-term language course or vocational certificate to improve their English or prepare for the job market.
Graduates with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Already working, they want to complete a short-term certificate program or prepare for a specific professional qualification.
Individuals with an employer-specific work permit: Looking to take a short-term, industry-related course outside of working hours.

Whether you can enroll in a specific program and how the school handles admissions will depend on the institution's own requirements.

Situation in Quebec

In Quebec, students typically need to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) first. The IRCC page notes that starting September 4, 2026, workers in Quebec studying under this policy do not need a CAQ.

Key Things to Note

1. Work experience gained during full-time study may not count for immigration purposes.

The IRCC page specifies that if studying full-time, work experience gained during this period does not count toward CEC eligibility, nor does it count toward Canadian work experience points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those accumulating work experience and planning to apply through CEC or Express Entry should carefully calculate their options before arranging further studies: choosing between full-time and part-time study will directly affect whether their work experience counts.

2. The work permit must remain valid throughout.

The premise of the policy is holding a valid work permit. Once the work permit expires, you can no longer continue studying under this policy. Those whose work permits are expiring soon should either choose a shorter program or resolve their status issues first.

3. Program length cannot exceed 6 months.

Programs longer than 6 months are not covered by this policy and generally still require a study permit. Those planning to pursue a one-year diploma or degree must apply for a study permit through the regular process.

4. These short-term programs cannot be used to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

The PGWP requires the program to be at least 8 months long; programs of 6 months or less do not meet PGWP eligibility on their own. Additionally, studying only English or French as a second language does not qualify for a PGWP. Furthermore, individuals who have already received a PGWP cannot apply for another, so taking a short-term program will not result in a new PGWP.

5. The policy is temporary.

The policy expires on December 31, 2027. Whether it will be extended or adjusted after expiration depends on subsequent announcements from IRCC. Those planning to study around the end of 2027 should pay close attention to the start and end dates of their programs.

A Simple Decision-Making Process

Do I currently hold a valid Canadian work permit? If not, this policy does not apply.
Is the program I want to take 6 months or less? If it exceeds 6 months, a study permit must be applied for through the regular process.
Does the program end before my work permit expires? If not, the plan needs to be adjusted.
Am I accumulating work experience for CEC or Express Entry? If so, carefully consider whether to study full-time.
If studying in Quebec, confirm that a CAQ is not required under this policy.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. For specific situations, please refer to the official IRCC website and the original policy text.

Need Help?

If you or your family members hold a Canadian work permit and want to use short-term programs to improve language or professional skills without affecting your immigration plans, check out our Visa Services and Canada University Admissions Services, or Book a consultation.