Can I Study on a Work Permit in Canada?

Published on 2024-08-26; updated on 2025-04-22

Canada now allows some work permit holders to study without a separate permit. This policy, announced on June 27, 2023, and is effective until June 27, 2026, aims to support foreign workers who wish to enhance their skills and education while working in Canada.

Public Policy Allowing Some Work Permit Holders to Study Without a Study Permit

To be eligible for studying under this policy, work permit holders must meet the following conditions:

Possess a valid work permit issued on or before June 7, 2023, or
holds a letter of authorization to work in Canada, issued on or before June 7, 2023

The learning institution where you plan to study may ask you to prove you’re eligible to study without a study permit. In that case, you must provide 1 of these documents:

your valid work permit
your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR)
the work authorization letter IRCC issued when you applied for your work permit extension

Sometimes, IRCC sends a work permit holder an email that says they qualify under this public policy. If that is the case for you, you can bring a copy of this email with you when you register with the learning institution.

The temporary public policy enables eligible work permit holders to enroll in study programs for a longer duration. However, this policy is only effective until June 27, 2026, which means any studies under this provision should be completed or transitioned to a study permit by that date.

Things to Know

According to Canada.ca Some things you need to know include:

When to apply for a study permit

Even if you’re eligible to study without a study permit, there are some situations in which it may be useful to hold a study permit. You should apply for a study permit if

you want to register for a course, degree or program that extends beyond the above dates or
your work permit extension application is refused

Post-Graduation Work Permit

You won’t be eligible for a post-graduation work permit after completing a program under this public policy allowing work permit holders to study without a study permit. You must have a study permit to be eligible.

Permanent Residence

If you’re a worker who is studying full time and you want to apply for permanent residence, there are some things to know:

Your work experience won’t count toward

eligibility for the Canada experience class
Canadian work experience points under Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Your full-time studies will count toward

the Federal Skilled Worker Program adaptability points, if you study at a designated learning institution (DLI).
Express Entry CRS points, if the DLI must offer programs that allow you to be eligible for a post‑graduation work permit.