Public policy allowing some work permit holders to study without a study permit
On June 27, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a temporary policy which is effective until June 27, 2026 to support work permit holders to study in Canada without a study permit.
You may be eligible to study without a study permit if you have a valid work permit that was issued on or before June 7, 2023, or if you submitted a work permit extension application and have a work authorization letter which was issued on or before June 7, 2023.
If you are eligible for this temporary policy, you can study without a study permit until June 27, 2026, or until your work permit (or your new work permit if you applied for a work permit extension) expires, whichever date comes first.
If you would like to take advantage of this policy, you are responsible to make sure you are eligible to study without a study permit and you are required to provide the following documents as proof:
- Your valid work permit or the work authorization letter, and
- The email from IRCC shows you qualify under this policy
For work permit holders, IRCC may have sent you a generic email to inform that you are eligible under this temporary policy, but here are some important reminders:
If you want to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
You won’t be eligible for a PGWP under this public policy. You must have a study permit and meet all eligibility criteria to be eligible for a PGWP.
If you are a co-op work permit holder
You should have had a valid study permit which has the same expiry date as the one on your co-op work permit. You are required to apply to extend your study permit if you want to keep studying beyond the expiry date on your study permit. In the case if you complete your studies before your co-op work permit expires, please note your co-op work permit actually expires after you complete your program and you should apply for a study permit if you want to take another study program and your study permit has expired.
If you are eligible for this temporary policy and would like to study full-time while working
Your work experience won’t count toward the eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class PR program or Canadian work experience points under Express Entry’s CRS. You must have a study permit and meet all eligibility criteria to be eligible for a PGWP.
If you are a work permit holder (e.g., protected person, convention refugee) waiting for your permanent residency and would like to study full-time
You may not need to apply for study permit if you don’t plan to apply for PGWP. You may want to book an appointment with ISA for an assessment of your situation.
You may find more information on IRCC’s website about this policy.
