Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has clarified an important update for foreign nationals holding work permits in Canada. Individuals who applied for a work permit on or before June 7, 2023, are allowed to pursue studies in Canada without obtaining a separate study permit. This temporary public policy, originally introduced in 2023, remains in effect until June 27, 2026.
The policy is designed to expand opportunities for newcomers by allowing greater flexibility in upgrading their skills or education while actively participating in the workforce. Eligible individuals can take part in full-time or part-time studies without interrupting their employment.
To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements: they must either currently hold a valid work permit issued from an application submitted by June 7, 2023, or have applied for a work permit renewal by that date and obtained a work authorization from IRCC while the renewal is processed. It’s important to note that this exemption only applies to those whose applications were received by IRCC on or before the cutoff date. Anyone applying after June 7, 2023, is not eligible.
Work authorizations—documents issued by IRCC—allow individuals to continue working in Canada while their application is under review. These individuals often maintain legal status under what is known as “maintained status,” provided they applied before their current permit expired.
In addition, those who currently hold both a valid study permit and a co-op work permit may be eligible to enroll in supplementary study programs. The conditions must still be followed: the additional program must not exceed the time limit of the co-op work permit, the main study program must continue, and all study permit conditions must be respected.
While the exemption allows for studies without a separate study permit, it does not extend to programs that go beyond the validity period of the individual’s work permit. Therefore, those planning to undertake long-term or degree-specific programs are still encouraged to apply separately for a study permit.
This update reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to offering flexible immigration policies that support career development and long-term settlement. As the labor market evolves, policies like this help equip newcomers with supplemental credentials and skills essential to their success.
Maple News will continue monitoring updates from IRCC as Canada modernizes its immigration and labor strategies to attract and retain global talent.