Public policy allowing some work permit holders to study without a study permit

As of June 27, 2023, a temporary public policy allows eligible foreign workers to study without a study permit.

On this page

• Eligibility
  • If you’re a worker in Quebec
  • How long you can study
    • If you were a valid work permit holder on June 7, 2023
    • If you had a work permit application in progress on June 7, 2023
  • How to prove you’re eligible
• Eligibility for permanent residence programs
• Work permit conditions
• Your employment contract

Eligibility

You may be eligible to study without a study permit while you work. To be eligible, you must be authorized to work in Canada with either of the following:

• a valid work permit that was issued on or before June 7, 2023, or
• a letter authorizing you to work while we process your work permit extension application
  • The letter must have been issued on or before June 7, 2023.

If you applied for a work permit after June 7, 2023, you’re not eligible for these measures.

How long you can study

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
• if your work permit extension application is refused

How to prove you’re eligible

The learning institution where you plan to study may ask you to prove you’re eligible to study without a study permit.

If they request this proof, you must provide 2 documents:

• 1 of the following:
  • your valid work permit or
  • the work authorization letter that we issued when you applied for your work permit extension

• the email we sent you that shows you qualify under this public policy
  • The email has your unique client identifier and is associated with your work authorization.
  • The learning institution will use this as proof of record to complete your study registration.

Eligibility for permanent residence programs

If you’re a worker who is studying full time, 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
    • You must study at a designated learning institution (DLI).
  • Express Entry CRS points
    • The DLI must offer programs that allow you to be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.