The Deadline: June 27, 2026
A temporary public policy introduced by IRCC on June 27, 2023, is approaching its hard deadline of June 27, 2026. This three-year policy allowed thousands of temporary foreign workers in Canada to pursue post-secondary studies without obtaining a separate study permit — a benefit that saved them time, money, and administrative hassle.
Once this policy expires, anyone continuing their studies beyond June 27 will need to hold a valid study permit. There are no extensions available, no grace periods, and no exceptions. If you are currently studying under this policy, you need to take action before the deadline.
Who Was Eligible Under the Old Policy?
Not all work permit holders qualified. The policy applied only to:
- Temporary foreign workers who held a valid work permit that was applied for on or before June 7, 2023;
- Workers who submitted a work permit renewal application by June 7, 2023;
- Workers who held a valid work permit at the time of application.
If you applied for a work permit after June 7, 2023, you were never eligible for this exemption, regardless of your current permit status. You always needed a study permit to enroll in any program.
What Changed When This Policy Was Introduced
Before June 27, 2023, work permit holders in Canada could only take short courses of six months or less without a study permit. Any program longer than six months required a study permit, even if the person was already working in Canada legally on a valid work permit.
The temporary policy removed this restriction entirely, allowing eligible workers to:
- Study full-time or part-time without a study permit;
- Pursue programs of any duration up to the expiry of their work permit;
- Upgrade their skills, credentials, or professional licensing while continuing to work.
What Happens After June 27, 2026?
After the policy expires, the following rules apply:
- You need a study permit to continue any program of study beyond June 27, 2026;
- IRCC processing times for study permits vary by country — apply well in advance;
- There is no gap protection — if you do not have a valid study permit after June 27, you must stop studying immediately.
Two Critical Consequences Nobody Talks About
Even after the policy ends, two important consequences remain that affect your immigration future:
1. No PGWP Eligibility for Studies Under This Policy
Completing a program under this temporary policy does not create eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). PGWP eligibility requires the applicant to have held a valid study permit throughout their studies and to meet all standard requirements under the regular program rules. If you use this policy to complete a program, you cannot later apply for a PGWP.
This is a critical point that many workers do not realize. If your goal is to use Canadian education to qualify for a PGWP and then transition to permanent residence, studying under this temporary exemption will not help you achieve that goal.
2. No Canadian Experience Class Eligibility for Work During Full-Time Study
Any Canadian work experience gained during a period of full-time study under this policy does not count toward eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. IRCC considers full-time study as the primary purpose of your stay during that period, not work.
This means that if you combined working while studying under this policy to build Canadian work experience for Express Entry, that experience may not count toward your CEC eligibility once you graduate. This can significantly affect your CRS score and your ability to receive an ITA.
What You Should Do Now: Three Options
Option 1: Apply for a Study Permit Before June 27
If you want to continue your studies and be eligible for a PGWP after graduation, apply for a study permit immediately. Processing times vary by country and application type, so early submission is essential. Gather your letter of acceptance, proof of financial support, and any supporting documents your school requires.
When applying, make sure to highlight the urgency of your situation and include documentation showing that you were relying on the temporary policy. Some applicants have reported accelerated processing for cases directly impacted by this policy change.
Option 2: Complete Your Studies Before the Deadline
If your program is close to completion, ask your institution about accelerated graduation options. If you can finish before June 27, you may not need to apply for a study permit at all.
Consider whether your institution offers options to complete remaining coursework through online delivery before the deadline. Many universities and colleges have flexibility built into their programs that can help you graduate sooner.
Option 3: Switch to Full-Time Work Only
If continuing studies is not feasible, focus on maintaining your work status and building your Canadian work experience for Express Entry. Part-time study without a study permit may still be possible under some circumstances — consult your designated learning institution or an immigration professional.
Processing Times and Planning
IRCC processing times for study permit applications vary significantly by country of origin. Some countries see processing times of 4 to 8 weeks, while others may take 4 to 6 months. Check the current IRCC processing times page for your specific country and application type.
Plan accordingly. If processing takes 6 months and you need a study permit by June 27, you should have already submitted your application months ago. Do not wait.
What About Your Employer?
If you are a temporary foreign worker whose employer is sponsoring your education as part of a skills development program, communicate with your employer immediately. They may need to adjust their support plan, and in some cases, employers can assist with the study permit application process.
Some employers have already begun preparing for this transition by establishing education benefit programs that include study permit assistance. If your employer has not discussed this with you, take the initiative to start the conversation.
FAQ
If I already studied under this policy, is my status retroactively affected?
No. Studies completed under the policy before June 27, 2026 are valid. The policy only affects studies continuing past the expiry date. Your completed studies remain legitimate.
Can I switch from this policy to a regular study permit mid-program?
Yes, you can apply for a study permit while in Canada. Submit your application as early as possible to avoid a gap in authorization. There may be a brief period where you are not authorized to study while your application is being processed.
Does completing a program under this policy give me any immigration advantage?
No. You will not be eligible for a PGWP or Canadian Experience Class work experience from full-time study under this policy. Plan accordingly and consider whether the time and money invested in the program will still provide value.
Official Sources
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. IRCC policies change frequently. Always verify information through the official IRCC website or consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or Canadian immigration lawyer before making any decisions about your immigration status.