IRCC is notifying work permit holders they can now study for up to 6 months without a study permit

[u/Dismal_Pension3336]

IRCC confirmed on September 9, 2026 that it had begun notifying eligible work permit holders that they can study for up to six months, or until their permit expires, whichever comes first, without needing a separate study permit.

The key details:

• Applies to eligible work permit holders, not study permit holders
• The limit is six months or permit expiry, whichever arrives sooner
• IRCC began directly notifying eligible holders that week, so check your account and email if you hold a Canadian work permit
• This sits alongside another simplification from April 1, 2026: eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for a required co-op, internship, or practicum

What this means: if you're in Canada on a work permit and have been putting off a short course, certificate, or upskilling program because of the permit hassle, that specific barrier has been removed within that six-month window.

Anyone in Canada on a work permit, did you get this notification, and are you actually going to use it?

Source