On Tuesday, June 27, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new temporary measure that removes the limit on the length of the study programs that temporary foreign workers can enroll in without a study permit.
Key Information
- Starting immediately, foreign workers will have the opportunity to seek additional training and education that can help them in their careers, and increase their opportunities to transition to permanent residence. Prior to this change, foreign workers could study while working, but only in programs of 6 months or less.
- With this new 3-year temporary measure, foreign workers can study full time or part time while their work permits are valid or until the expiration of the policy, with no restrictions on the length of the program.
- This temporary measure applies to those who hold a valid work permit or who have submitted an application to renew their work permit on or before June 7, 2023, and are authorized to work.
- If a foreign worker wishes to study longer than the duration of their work permit, they still need to apply for a study permit.
- Any Canadian work experience gained during a period of full-time study does not count toward eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class, nor can students earn Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for it.
Erickson Insights
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will evaluate the outcomes of this temporary public policy and use that information to drive possible future policy changes.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.