Work Permit Study Exemption Expires: What to Do Before June 27
If you are a temporary foreign worker in Canada who has been studying or planning to study without a separate study permit, you have a few days to understand how a significant IRCC policy change affects your situation. On June 27, 2026, the temporary public policy that has allowed eligible work permit holders to study in Canada without obtaining a study permit will officially expire.
This policy has been in place since June 27, 2023, giving a specific group of temporary foreign workers the flexibility to upgrade their skills, credentials, and qualifications without going through a separate study permit application. For workers in Northern Ontario particularly those in healthcare, skilled trades, and manufacturing this flexibility has been a direct pathway to stronger credentials and improved permanent residence eligibility.
On June 27, 2026, that flexibility ends. If you are currently enrolled in a program, if your studies extend beyond that date, or if you were planning to begin studying — you need to read this now. This blog explains exactly who was eligible, what happens when the policy expires, and what you need to do before June 27.
Not sure if this applies to your situation? Book a consultation with iCA Immigration and Talent Services today and get clarity from a licensed RCIC. 👉 https://www.ica-immigration.ca/book-a-consultation
What Is the Work Permit Study Exemption?
The temporary public policy was introduced by IRCC on June 27, 2023 under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Its purpose was straightforward: give eligible temporary foreign workers more flexibility to upgrade their skills, credentials, or licensing while continuing to work in Canada — without needing to obtain a separate study permit.
Under normal immigration rules, most temporary foreign workers who want to study in Canada must hold a valid study permit, in addition to their work permit. This creates an administrative and financial barrier for workers who want to take courses, complete certificates, or enrol in diploma programs while maintaining their employment. The 2023 policy removed that barrier for a specific group — but only temporarily.
This Is Different From the Standard Short-Course Exemption
It is important not to confuse this temporary policy with a separate, permanent rule that already exists under Canadian immigration regulations. Under standard IRCC rules, any visitor or temporary resident — not just work permit holders — can take a course or program of six months or less without needing a study permit at all, provided the program will be completed within the authorized period of their stay. This standard exemption is unrelated to the June 2023 temporary public policy, has no expiry date, and applies broadly regardless of when a person's work permit application was received.
The temporary public policy expiring on June 27, 2026 is different in three key ways: it applies specifically to a defined group of work permit holders based on a strict application date cutoff, it has no duration limit on the program itself, and it was always intended to be temporary. If your program is six months or shorter, you may already be covered under the standard short-course exemption regardless of whether you qualify for the policy discussed in this blog — but if your program is longer than six months, the standard exemption does not apply, and the eligibility rules explained below are what determine your options.
Why IRCC Introduced This Policy in 2023
IRCC's official rationale was to support temporary foreign workers as valuable contributors to Canada's economy. The department stated explicitly that the policy was intended to help workers gain employment in higher-skilled and higher-paid occupations, fill critical roles in sectors like healthcare, and increase their chances of qualifying for permanent residence programs in the future. Northern Ontario communities where labour shortages in trades, healthcare, and manufacturing are persistent were exactly the kind of communities this policy was designed to support.
Are You Actually Eligible?
This is where many workers make a critical error. The eligibility for this policy is narrower than most people assume and it is worth confirming carefully before making any assumptions about your current or future study status.
The Key Eligibility Requirement
To be eligible, you must be authorized to work in Canada with either a valid work permit that you applied for on or before June 7, 2023, or a letter authorizing you to work while IRCC processes your work permit extension application, where that extension was submitted on or before June 7, 2023.
The critical date is June 7, 2023 — the date your work permit application was received by IRCC, not the date your permit was issued or when it became valid. If your original application was received before that date, you may have been eligible to use this policy since June 27, 2023.
Who Is NOT Eligible
If you applied for a work permit after June 7, 2023, you are not eligible for this policy.
This means the majority of temporary foreign workers who arrived in Canada or renewed their work permits after June 2023 were never eligible to use this exemption in the first place. If you have been studying without a study permit and you are not sure whether you were eligible, this is an urgent matter to clarify before June 27.
How to Prove Your Eligibility to Your Institution
The learning institution where you are studying may ask you to prove you are eligible to study without a study permit. You can provide either your work permit or a copy of your IRCC confirmation email, which contains your unique client identifier and is tied to your work authorization.
What Happens on June 27, 2026?
The policy expires on June 27, 2026. From that date forward, the exemption no longer applies regardless of whether you are currently enrolled in a program or not.
If You Are Currently Studying Under This Policy
If you are enrolled in a program right now and your studies extend beyond June 27, 2026, you must apply for a study permit before that date. Once the policy expires, continuing to study without a valid study permit would put you in violation of your immigration conditions which carries serious consequences including potential loss of status and impact on future permanent residence applications.
The study permit application from inside Canada is typically processed in an estimated 6 weeks for several countries, but this can vary. Do not wait. If your program runs past June 27, begin your study permit application immediately. You can apply for a study permit from inside Canada while continuing to study under the exemption but that window is now very short.
Even if you are eligible to study without 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 expiry date of this public policy.
If You Want to Start a New Program After June 27
If you are a temporary foreign worker who has been considering returning to study and you were planning to use this exemption, that option is now gone. From June 27 onward, all temporary foreign workers who want to study in Canada must hold a valid study permit, regardless of when their original work permit was obtained.
Co-op Placements — A Note for Specific Situations
If your studies include a co-op or work placement component, your situation may require additional attention. If you hold an open work permit, you are not required to apply for a new work permit for your co-op placement. If you hold an employer-specific work permit and your co-op employer or occupation differs from your current permit conditions, you may need to apply for a new employer-specific work permit before your placement begins. Seek RCIC guidance before proceeding.
Every immigration case is unique. Before making any decisions about your study status or permit situation, speak with Jennifer Johnson, RCIC at iCA Immigration and Talent Services to review your specific circumstances. 👉 https://www.ica-immigration.ca/book-a-consultation
What This Means for Workers and Employers in Northern Ontario
Northern Ontario has a significant population of temporary foreign workers who have been upgrading their credentials while working particularly in healthcare, skilled trades, and manufacturing. The expiry of this policy has direct implications for this community.
Healthcare Workers Upgrading Credentials
Northern Ontario faces persistent shortages of healthcare professionals including personal support workers, registered practical nurses, and allied health staff. Many workers in these roles have been using the study exemption to complete bridging programs, credential recognition courses, or clinical placements. If you are in this situation and your program extends past June 27, applying for a study permit immediately is not optional, it is urgent.
Skilled Trades Workers and Apprentices
Trades workers who have been enrolled in apprenticeship programs, certification courses, or technical training programs should confirm whether their studies fall under this exemption and whether they need a study permit to continue beyond June 27. Apprenticeship programs in Ontario are typically registered through the Ontario College of Trades and may have specific permit considerations that a licensed RCIC can clarify.
The Permanent Residence Connection
One of the reasons IRCC introduced this policy was to help temporary foreign workers improve their permanent residence eligibility. Workers who used this time to upgrade their credentials into higher NOC classifications may now find themselves better positioned for Express Entry, the OINP, or the Rural Community Immigration Pilot. If you are in Northern Ontario and have been upgrading your credentials with permanent residence in mind booking a consultation now to assess your updated eligibility profile is time well spent.
For Employers
If you have employees who have been studying under this exemption, inform them of the June 27 expiry immediately. Workers who are unaware of this change and continue studying without a valid study permit after June 27 will be in violation of their immigration conditions, a situation that ultimately affects your workforce stability as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Before June 27
Assuming the policy applies to you without checking the eligibility date The single most common mistake is assuming that holding any work permit qualifies you. The eligibility cutoff is June 7, 2023 the date your original application was received. Workers who applied after that date were never eligible and may have been studying without proper authorization without realising it.
Assuming the policy will be extended There is no official announcement from IRCC indicating this policy will be extended beyond June 27, 2026. Do not plan your studies around an extension that has not been confirmed.
Not applying for a study permit in time If your program extends past June 27, processing times for study permits inside Canada are currently estimated at approximately 6 weeks for many countries but this can vary. Filing today gives you the best chance of having your study permit submitted before the exemption expires.
Continuing to study after June 27 without a permit Studying in Canada without a valid study permit after June 27 is a violation of your immigration conditions. The consequences can include loss of maintained status, inadmissibility findings, and serious complications for any pending or future permanent residence applications.
Not telling your learning institution Your institution may have records based on the exemption. If you transition to a study permit before June 27, update your institution with your new permit information as soon as it is issued.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Canada's immigration rules change frequently and deadlines can be unforgiving. The June 27, 2026 expiry of the work permit study exemption is exactly the kind of deadline that catches people off guard and the consequences of missing it can affect your status in Canada and your path to permanent residence.
Jennifer Johnson is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC #R709916) based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, serving clients across Northern Ontario and beyond.
Book your consultation today: 👉 https://www.ica-immigration.ca/book-a-consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still study without a study permit in Canada after June 27, 2026? A: No. The temporary public policy that allowed eligible work permit holders to study without a study permit expires on June 27, 2026. After that date, all temporary foreign workers who wish to study in Canada must hold a valid study permit, regardless of when their original work permit was obtained. If you are currently studying under the exemption and your program extends past June 27, you must apply for a study permit before the expiry date. Contact iCA Immigration and Talent Services to review your specific situation immediately.
Q: How do I know if I was eligible for the work permit study exemption? A: Eligibility depends on when your original work permit application was received by IRCC. If your application was received on or before June 7, 2023, you may have been eligible. If your application was received after June 7, 2023, you were not eligible for this exemption. If you are unsure of your application date, check your IRCC online account or the original application confirmation you received from IRCC. iCA Immigration and Talent Services can help you verify your eligibility status.
Q: I am currently studying under this exemption and my program ends in September 2026. What should I do? A: Apply for a study permit from inside Canada as soon as possible. Study permit processing times vary but are currently estimated at approximately 6 weeks for many countries — leaving very little time before the June 27 deadline. You can continue studying under the exemption while your study permit application is being processed. Once approved, present your study permit to your institution and continue your program without interruption. Book a consultation with iCA Immigration and Talent Services to ensure your application is complete and submitted correctly.
Q: Will this policy be extended beyond June 27, 2026? A: As of June 9, 2026, IRCC has not announced any extension of this policy. The official canada.ca page states the policy expires June 27, 2026 or earlier if revoked. iCA Immigration and Talent Services recommends treating June 27 as a firm deadline and acting accordingly rather than waiting for an extension that has not been confirmed.
Q: I am a temporary foreign worker in Northern Ontario upgrading my healthcare credentials. Does this affect me? A: Yes — if you have been studying under the work permit exemption and your program extends past June 27, 2026, you must apply for a study permit before that date. Healthcare workers in Northern Ontario who are completing bridging programs, credential recognition courses, or clinical placements under this exemption should act immediately. Processing delays are possible and the consequences of studying without valid authorization are serious. Book a consultation with iCA Immigration and Talent Services for guidance specific to your program and permit situation.
References
All information in this blog has been verified against official Canadian government sources as of June 9, 2026.
- Government of Canada — Public policy allowing some work permit holders to study without a study permit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/workers-study-without-study-permit.html
- Government of Canada — Program delivery update: Study without a permit — New public policy (August 15, 2023) https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2023-study-without-permit.html
- Government of Canada — Temporary public policy to allow foreign nationals with valid work permits to study without a study permit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/study-without-study-permit.html
- Government of Canada — Study permit: Who can study without a permit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/eligibility/study-without-permit.html
Note: Immigration policies change frequently. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend verifying current requirements at canada.ca or booking a consultation with a licensed RCIC before making any immigration decisions.
