Learn if you qualify for the temporary measure allowing certain foreign nationals with work permits to study without a study permit.

On June 27, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a new temporary public policy allowing eligible temporary foreign workers to study without a study permit. This public policy will be in effect until June 27, 2026.

Individuals eligible for this program may study at any Canadian institution, including Algonquin College.

Eligibility Criteria

The following groups are eligible for this temporary measure:

  1. Foreign nationals holding a valid work permit on or before June 7, 2023;
  2. Foreign nationals who submitted an application to renew a work permit on or before June 7, 2023, and maintained their authorization to work under R186(u).

Please note: current study permit holders who hold a co-op internship work permit with no other work permit are not part of this program.

Terms of Eligibility

Individuals will be eligible to study under this policy until whichever occurs first:

  1. The expiry of their work permit, or the expiry of the work permit extension received following the work permit renewal application;
  2. The date of refusal of their work permit renewal application;
  3. June 27, 2026 – the expiry of the public policy

Please note: Individuals who wish to continue their studies beyond their eligibility for the temporary policy must apply for a study permit to continue their studies.

Documentation
Foreign nationals eligible for this program may be asked to provide the following documentation to Algonquin College:

  1. A valid work permit or a work authorization letter that IRCC issued when the individual applied for the work permit extension; AND
  2. An email from IRCC stating that the individual is eligible for this measure.

Additional Considerations

  • Individuals studying under this temporary measure will NOT be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). You must have a study permit to be eligible for PGWP.
  • IRCC has outlined a number of considerations about how using this temporary measure will impact eligibility for Permanent Residence programs

It is the individual’s responsibility to know the rules and regulations that apply to their status in Canada and remain compliant with Canadian immigration regulations. For more information, please visit the IRCC website.

Information on this page has been reviewed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIA) in compliance with the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Please be aware that this is not a legal document and information may sometimes change without notice. For the most up-to-date information about Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) please refer to the IRCC website at: canada.ca/immigration or call 1-888-242-2100.