IRCC Expands Authorization For Foreign Workers To Study Without A Study Permit: Four Things You Need To Know

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ("IRCC") has announced a promising new temporary measure that allows foreign workers to study for a longer duration without a study permit, opening the door for career advancement through education.

Prior to the introduction of this policy, foreign workers were only able to study while working if their study program was six months or less in duration. Otherwise, a separate application for a study permit was required.

The new three-year policy now applies to foreign workers in Canada who hold a valid work permit issued on or before June 7, 2023 or who are on maintained status (i.e. those who have applied for a new work permit to extend their work authorization) and have a work authorization letter that was issued on or before June 7, 2023. Foreign workers in Quebec are also able to study without a study permit and are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) to complete educational