Who: | Foreign Workers in Canada with a valid Work Permit OR who applied to extend their work permit on or before June 7, 2023 |
In Force: | June 27, 2023 |
Ends: | June 27, 2026 |
Previously foreign workers in Canada required a separate study permit to attend any program of study longer than 6 months.
Under a new Temporary Public Policy, foreign workers in Canada with a valid work permit on June 7, 2023, or who applied to extend their work permit on or prior to June 7, 2023, will temporarily not require a study permit if they also wish to attend a program of study longer than 6 months. Under this policy, foreign workers can study while their work permits remain valid or until the policy expires on June 27, 2026.
It is extremely important to note that this policy only applies to those foreign workers who already had a valid work permit on June 7, 2023, or applied to extend their work permit on or prior to June 7, 2023. Make sure you are eligible before attending school without a study permit. If you are unsure whether this policy applies to you, speak to an immigration lawyer before attending school without a study permit!
Completing an eligible Canadian credential at a designated learning institute will help increase Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points under Express Entry both for having additional diplomas and for completing a program in Canada.
HOWEVER, it is also extremely important to understand that any period of work during full-time studies (as defined by the particular school) does NOT count as work experience for the purpose of Express Entry! CRS points for Canadian work experience are generally worth more than those for a Canadian diploma. Proceed with caution and make sure you are only studying on a part-time basis based on your school's definition of "part-time" if you also want CRS points for your Canadian work experience.
This exemption will allow foreign workers seeking to attend programs that were not at a designated learning institute and which were not eligible for a study permit such as professional development programs to attend the program without worrying that they are contravening the terms of their work permit.
It is important to remember that foreign workers must abide by the terms of their work permits and continue their employment.
Temporary Public Policy: Temporary public policy to allow foreign nationals with valid work permits to study without a study permit
Program Delivery Update: Study without a permit - New Public Policy*
*Updated August 15, 2023
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