Canada has introduced a temporary measure allowing eligible foreign workers already in the country to pursue education or training for up to six months without obtaining a separate study permit.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the change as part of efforts to help temporary workers gain additional skills while continuing their employment. The policy could be particularly relevant for Indians working in Canada on valid work permits who want to take short-term courses, training or licensing programmes.
What does the new rule mean for Indian workers?
Under the new measure, eligible work permit holders can study for up to six months or until their existing work permit expires, whichever comes first, without applying for a study permit.
The change is intended to reduce administrative requirements for temporary workers seeking short-term education and training opportunities. IRCC said the measure could help workers develop skills in areas where Canada faces labour shortages, including trades, nursing and laboratory technology.
Workers will reportedly begin receiving notifications about the temporary measure this week.
Full-time studies still require a study permit
The new policy does not replace Canada's existing study permit system. Workers planning to undertake full-time or longer-term education will still need to obtain the required study permit.
This means the measure mainly benefits temporary workers looking to pursue short-term courses, professional training or licensing-related education while maintaining their existing work status.
Rule to remain in effect until December 2027
The temporary measure will remain in effect until December 31, 2027. However, workers can only use the flexibility while their work permits remain valid.
The six-month study allowance does not extend or override the expiry date of an individual's existing work permit.
No new immigration pathway
IRCC has also clarified that the announcement does not create a new immigration pathway for foreign workers or provide a new route to enter Canada.
The measure comes as Canada continues efforts to manage its temporary resident population while addressing workforce and labour shortages. The Canadian government has maintained its goal of reducing the temporary population to below 5% of the country's total population by the end of 2027.
For Indian workers already in Canada, the change could make it easier to pursue short-term training and improve their qualifications without going through the separate study-permit process.
