GistReel
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced a new measure that permits certain holders of work permits to pursue short-term studies without having to apply for a separate study permit.
This announcement applies to eligible work permit holders of Nigerian origin as well as others.
On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on its verified it’s official X account that it will start informing qualified work permit holders that week.
They will be told that their study period is limited to six months, or until their permit expires, whichever comes first.
Why is Canada making the change?
According to the federal immigration office, the action is intended to close labor shortages in important industries including health care, home building, and larger nation-building initiatives.
Canada intends to enable qualified temporary workers to take short courses in addition to their employment in order to enable them to more fully contribute to the nation’s labor needs.
The IRCC made it clear that there are restrictions on the exception. The notice from Canadian officials stated: “Full-time, longer studies still require a study permit.”
Who qualifies and what does it mean?
Because of the notification process, qualified employees won’t have to do anything to apply for the exemption; instead, IRCC will get in touch with them immediately.
The benefit is only valid for the length of their current work visa or for six months, after which the shorter period will take effect.
The statement is part of a larger initiative by Canadian officials to facilitate skill upgrades for temporary workers already in the country without creating new immigration barriers, especially in sectors where skilled labor is scarce.