Eligible Canadian work permit holders may study for up to six months without a study permit

On 9 September, the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada (IRCC) published a new interim public policy whereby a qualified alien holding a valid work permit may not be required to apply for a study permit in Canada for a course of up to six months.

When does the policy come into effect?

This policy is based on 4 September 2026 Entry into force, expected to continue until 31 December 2027 However, the policy may be withdrawn earlier. Eligible persons may study for up to six months or until the expiry of their work permit, whichever is earlier.

The Canadian Official Gazette also states that eligible work permit holders in Quebec are not required to apply for CAQ under this measure; However, it is still necessary to confirm that the curriculum and personal status are in line with policy conditions.

Who might qualify?

The basic conditions include a valid work permit and the curriculum or curriculum plan does not exceed six months. When the school requests a certificate, the applicant must provide a valid work permit. If the course includes co-op internships, an additional application for a new employer ' s restricted work permit may be required; Open work permit holders are treated in accordance with the official instructions.

This measure is aimed at those who are already in Canada and have a work permit. It's not a way for people overseas to avoid signing directly to Canada for a full-time degree. 。 Permits are still required for full-time studies.

Impact on readers in Taiwan

Taiwanans who already hold valid work permits in Canada and wish to take short-term certificates, vocational training or refresher courses may include this policy in their planning, but cannot opt out of the sign-off on the sole basis of the name of the course. The validity of the work permit, the length of the course, whether it is full-time and whether it involves internships should be confirmed on a case-by-case basis.

If the target is a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, a doctorate or a formal course of more than six months, it shall remain subject to the Canadian Official Learning Permit. The article refers to a temporary policy whereby the IRCC ' s latest original language and school requirements should be reviewed before the actual application is made.