Quick Answer
A temporary IRCC policy that allows eligible work permit holders to study in Canada without a separate study permit expires on June 27, 2026. If you are currently studying under this policy, you have three choices before that date: apply for a study permit, stop studying, or confirm you qualify for another study exemption. After June 27, studying without a valid study permit is a violation of your immigration conditions.
What the Policy Was
On June 27, 2023, IRCC introduced a temporary public policy allowing most work permit holders in Canada to enroll in a full-time or part-time program of study at any level — college, university, language school, or professional development — without needing a separate study permit. The goal was to support upskilling among the large population of temporary foreign workers already in Canada.
The policy was always time-limited to three years. It expires June 27, 2026. There are no current signals that IRCC will extend it.
Who Was Affected
- Work permit holders (open and employer-specific) enrolled in any Canadian educational program without a study permit
- Spouses on open work permits who were studying under this authorization
- PGWP holders who started a course or certificate program under this policy
If you applied for and received a separate study permit, you are not using this policy — you are already authorized to study and this expiry does not affect you.
This is a status-critical situation. Studying without authorization after June 27, 2026 is a violation of your permit conditions that can affect future immigration applications including work permit renewals, PGWP eligibility, and PR. Before acting, consider confirming your situation with a licensed RCIC or Canadian immigration lawyer. If time is short, at minimum verify your current permit conditions on your IRCC secure account.
Your Three Options Before June 27, 2026
| Option | What it means | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for a study permit | Submit an application before June 27; you may be able to continue studying under maintained status while it processes | Anyone who wants to continue their program |
| Stop studying before June 27 | Withdraw from your program before the deadline; no immigration impact | Those near program completion or not committed to continuing |
| Confirm another exemption applies | Some short programs, free courses, and professional development activities may still be exempt under other regulations | Those in programs under 6 months or not leading to a credential |
How to Apply for a Study Permit If You Still Need One
- Check your eligibility — confirm you are in a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and meet income requirements
- Log into your IRCC secure account
- Select “Apply for a study permit”
- Complete Form IMM 1294 online
- Upload required documents: acceptance letter from your DLI, proof of financial support, passport, current work permit, and a letter of explanation
- Pay the $150 application fee
- Submit before June 27, 2026 to maintain authorization through the processing period
Important: Time Spent Under This Policy Does Not Count for PGWP
If you were studying under this temporary policy and considering a PGWP afterward, stop. The policy explicitly states that time spent studying under this public policy does not count toward PGWP eligibility. To qualify for a PGWP, your entire program must have been studied under a valid study permit. If you started under the work permit study policy and want PGWP eligibility, you would need to obtain a study permit now and likely cannot retroactively qualify the portion studied without one.
Get professional advice if you are in this situation. It is complex and fact-specific.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
After June 27, if you continue studying without a valid study permit:
- You are in breach of your work permit conditions
- This can lead to refusal of future work permit renewals, PGWP, or PR applications
- It may be flagged as misrepresentation if you certify compliance on future applications
- IRCC does not send individual reminders — you are responsible for knowing your conditions
If you have already missed the deadline and continued studying, stop immediately and consult an immigration lawyer about your options. A voluntary disclosure may be possible but must be handled carefully.
Study Exemptions That Remain After June 27
Even without the temporary policy, some study activity remains permitted without a study permit:
- Programs of 6 months or less completed before your authorized stay expires
- Free online courses not leading to a formal credential
- Workplace training as part of your authorized job duties
These are narrow exemptions. If your program lasts more than 6 months or leads to a credential, you need a study permit after June 27.
FAQ
I didn’t know about this policy — am I in trouble?
If you enrolled in and attended a program under this policy in good faith during its validity window, you were compliant. The issue is what happens after June 27. Act before then.
Can I apply for a study permit even though I’m already in the program?
Yes. Applying mid-program is allowed. Include your current enrollment letter and explain the situation. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks inside Canada for online applications.
Does this affect my employer?
Your employer is typically not involved in your personal study activities. However, if studying was part of a training arrangement approved by your employer under your work permit, your specific permit conditions matter. Read them carefully or get advice.
Canadianow is an independent publisher. We are not a licensed immigration consultancy or law firm. This article reflects publicly available IRCC information as of June 2026. Last reviewed: June 2026.
Sources
- IRCC — Temporary public policy: work permit holders studying without study permit (June 27, 2023–June 27, 2026)
- Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations — study permit exemptions
Written by Canadianow Editorial Team. Reviewed for accuracy and currency. Last reviewed: June 2026.
