Short courses on a work permit: no study permit needed
📘 Related guide: Household budget: why it matters and how it helps
What happened
On September 9, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a temporary measure. Some people who already hold a work permit can now take a course or training for up to 6 months, or until their work permit ends (whichever comes first), without applying for a study permit. The measure is in effect until December 31, 2027.
IRCC mentions tradespeople, nurses and laboratory technicians as examples of the workers it has in mind. It also says the measure is "not a new pathway" to come to Canada, so it is meant for people who are already here. Full-time studies still require a study permit.
How it affects your wallet
Normally, studying in Canada means applying for a study permit. IRCC's application guide lists the study permit fee at $150 per person (page dated September 25, 2026). If you have to give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), the fee is $85 per person, with a maximum of $170 for a family applying together (IRCC page dated March 30, 2026). The September notice itself does not talk about fees. These are the usual fees for the application this measure lets eligible workers skip.
Example (made-up numbers to illustrate, not official data): Ana works as a health-care aide on a work permit. She wants a 4-month certificate that costs $2,000.
- Without the measure: $2,000 course + $150 study permit + $85 biometrics = $2,235.
- With the measure, if she qualifies: $2,000.
- Difference: up to $235 saved, plus the time and paperwork of one less application.
The saving is small next to tuition, but for a short course it adds up, and it can make a training you were postponing easier to afford.
What you can do
- Read the IRCC notice on temporary workers and check that your situation fits. The page gives examples but does not list every condition.
- Check how long your course lasts. It must be 6 months or less, and it should fit before your work permit expires.
- Ask the school or training provider what the full cost is, including books, exams and licensing fees, so you can budget before you enroll.
- Keep your documents handy: your work permit, the course registration and the receipt.
- If you are not sure the measure applies to you, ask IRCC or a regulated immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer before you pay for anything.
What to keep in mind
This is a temporary policy. It runs until December 31, 2027, and the government can change it. It does not change your work permit: you still need a valid one, and it is not a way for people outside Canada to come in.
Full-time studies still require a study permit, so a longer program or a full course load is a different case. IRCC also said it would start notifying eligible work permit holders, but an email is not the same as a decision about your own situation.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For your own case, check with IRCC or a regulated immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
Sources
- IRCC: Supporting economic growth and stronger public services by maximizing the contributions of temporary workers already in Canada
- IRCC: Guide 5552 - Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada - Student
- IRCC: Biometrics
What did you think?
Anonymous: no account, nothing personal is stored.
Information checked against the sources listed above on October 21, 2026. Educational information, not financial, tax or legal advice.
Related guides
Household budget: why it matters and how it helpsWhy a household budget works better than guessing: fewer money arguments, clearer goals and a shared view of where the money goes. A practical guide for couples and families in Canada.50/30/20 budget: a simple monthly plan for CanadaHow to build a monthly budget with the 50/30/20 rule using Canadian examples: what counts as a need, a want or savings, and how to adjust it.Personal budget: set limits per category in 20 minutesA simple way to build a personal budget with a monthly limit for each spending category, using your real spending from the last three months.Kuentaly reads your bank alerts, organizes your cards and shows your registered accounts. Free to use during the beta.
Open Kuentaly