Work Permit Holders in Canada Can Study Short Programs Without a Separate Study Permit From September 4, 2026
Effective September 4, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a temporary public policy allowing individuals holding a valid work permit to enroll in study programs of six months or less without applying for a separate study permit. The policy remains in effect until December 31, 2027, though the government may revoke it at any time without notice.
This change directly affects Vietnamese nationals working in Canada under work permits, including those working in Manitoba under LMIA-based permits, Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), or other work permit categories.
Eligibility
Workers qualify if they meet both: hold a currently valid work permit, and enroll in a study program of six months or less. The maximum study period is six months, or until the work permit expires, whichever comes first. Workers in Quebec are exempt from needing a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
The measure targets sectors facing labour shortages across Canada, with IRCC citing healthcare and home-building as priority sectors, though it applies broadly to any valid work permit holder, not restricted by NOC code.
What the policy does NOT allow
It does not apply to programs longer than six months — those still require a standard study permit.
Full-time study during this period does NOT count toward qualifying work experience for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Full-time study does NOT contribute to CRS points under the work experience criteria in Express Entry.
The policy removes a procedural barrier but does not create a new immigration pathway and does not substitute for work experience in a PR application. IRCC states it "could" support existing pathways, but the policy itself does not grant permanent residence.
How IRCC notifies eligible workers
IRCC began contacting eligible work permit holders directly by email starting the first week of September 2026. This email serves as official confirmation — no additional application is required. Workers who believe they qualify but received no notification should review the policy's terms on IRCC's official page before enrolling.
Practical considerations
For a short course (trade certificate, skills upgrade, English/French course) of six months or less, this policy removes the need for a separate study permit application.
Confirm your work permit has enough validity remaining to complete the course, since your authorization to study ends when your work permit does.
If your goal is CEC eligibility or CRS points, structure your study schedule carefully, since full-time study does not count toward qualifying work experience.
Check IRCC email communications regularly if you hold a valid work permit, since this is the official confirmation channel.
The policy can be revoked at any time — confirm it is still in effect immediately before enrolling.
To understand how this policy applies to your specific situation, please contact Nonsuch Immigration directly via Zalo 0946 749 585 or WhatsApp 204 963 9288.
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