Study Permits

Canada Just Increased Study Permit Proof of Funds to $23,448—Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re applying for a Canadian study permit after September 1, 2026, you need to know this: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) just raised the proof of funds requirement to $23,448 CAD. That’s an increase of $553 from the previous $22,895 baseline.

If you’re confused about what this means, how to meet it, or which documents IRCC actually wants to see, you’re not alone. Thousands of international students are asking these questions right now—and getting it wrong could delay or even reject your study permit application.

I’m Kari Davis, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), and I help students navigate exactly this kind of requirement every week. Let me break down the updated proof of funds rule, what it covers, and exactly how to document it for IRCC.

What Changed and Why

IRCC sets the proof of funds requirement annually based on Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) benchmark. The new $23,448 amount, effective September 1, 2026, represents 75% of LICO for living expenses. It’s designed to ensure you can support yourself in Canada without relying on part-time work or family money.

Critical detail: This $23,448 covers living expenses only. It does not include tuition fees, travel costs, or provincial health insurance premiums. You must show funds for all three categories separately.

The requirement applies to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2026. If you submitted your application before that date, you’re assessed against the old amount ($22,895).

Who This Affects

The proof of funds requirement applies to almost all international students applying for a study permit in Canada, with one exception: students already in Canada who are extending or changing their study permit conditions may have different requirements depending on their circumstances.

It affects you regardless of:

• Which province or school you’re attending
• What program you’re studying (undergraduate, graduate, college, private institution)
• Your nationality or home country
• Whether you have a job offer or scholarship

Important exception: Quebec sets its own requirements through the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) process. The $23,448 does not apply if you’re studying in Quebec.

How to Meet the $23,448 Requirement: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Understand What Counts as Proof of Funds

IRCC accepts several forms of proof. You don’t need all of them—you need enough to cover the $23,448. Here’s what counts:

Bank statements (most common): Six months of statements from any Canadian or foreign bank account, including the month you apply or the month before. The statements must clearly show your balance history and the source of funds (salary deposits, transfers, etc.). If you’re using someone else’s money, you’ll need additional documentation (see sponsor letters below).

Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC): A GIC from a participating Canadian bank for $23,448 or higher counts as full proof. This is a popular option because it’s straightforward—no guessing whether your documents are “enough.”

Proof of paid tuition and residence fees: If you’ve already paid your first year’s tuition and residence fees to your Canadian school, that money counts toward your proof of funds. You’ll still need to show funds for living expenses not covered by this payment.

Scholarship or study loan documentation: Letters from your scholarship provider or education loan institution (from an official bank or lending body) that specify the amount and period of support.

Sponsor letters (if someone is financially supporting you): A signed letter from your sponsor (parent, relative, employer, etc.) stating they will support you, plus supporting documents showing their financial capacity—usually their last 2 years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, and bank statements.

Step 2: Calculate Your Total Proof of Funds

Add up all your sources. If you’re using a combination—say, $15,000 in your bank account plus a $10,000 scholarship—you’re covered. The key: make sure it’s clear that these funds are available to you for living expenses during your study period.

If you’re relying on a sponsor (parent or other family member), the funds in the sponsor’s account count as long as you have a signed letter showing their commitment to support you.

Step 3: Document the Source of Your Funds

IRCC doesn’t just want to see money sitting in an account—they want to know where it came from. Large, unexplained deposits raise red flags. Show the trail:

• If it’s salary: include recent pay stubs or employment letters
• If it’s a family gift: include a letter from your family member (even a simple email explaining the gift), plus their bank statement showing the transfer
• If it’s savings: include several months of statements showing the gradual accumulation
• If it’s a loan: include the loan agreement and proof of disbursement

The goal is simple: prove the money is real, yours (or committed to you), and legally obtained.

Step 4: Submit Everything in Your Study Permit Application

When you apply through the online IRCC portal, upload your proof of funds documents in the designated section. IRCC wants:

• Bank statements (PDFs preferred)
• Sponsor letters (if applicable) with supporting financial documents
• Any scholarship, loan, or paid tuition documentation

Make sure the dates on your documents are recent—IRCC prefers statements from the last 6 months.

Three Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Mixing up the $23,448 with your full study budget. The $23,448 is living expenses only. You still need to show tuition and travel funds separately. If you only show $23,448 total, IRCC will see you don’t have enough money and may refuse your application.

Mistake 2: Not documenting sponsor funds clearly. If your parents or another family member is providing the money, a verbal promise isn’t enough. You need a written letter, ideally notarized or on official letterhead, plus their financial documents. Ambiguity here causes delays and refusals.

Mistake 3: Using outdated bank statements. IRCC wants to see your current financial situation. Statements older than 6 months from your application date raise questions: “Does this person still have this money?” Keep your documents fresh.

What If You Don’t Have $23,448 Right Now?

You have options. A GIC is one—many international students open a GIC at a Canadian bank for exactly this amount, which satisfies IRCC’s requirement while keeping your money accessible. A scholarship or sponsorship letter can cover part of it. And you can combine sources: your own savings + your parents’ support + a scholarship = proof of funds.

If you’re falling short, talk to your Canadian school. Some institutions offer financial support or can clarify what funds they’ve already secured for you, which counts toward your total.

Next Steps

Start gathering your proof of funds documents now—especially if you’re planning to apply in September 2026. Don’t wait until the last minute. Financial documentation often requires recent statements or letters, and delays on your end delay your entire application.

If you have questions about what documents you need, how to handle sponsor funds, or whether your specific financial situation meets IRCC’s requirements, that’s exactly what we help with. Every student’s situation is different, and proof of funds confusion is one of the most common reasons for delays.

Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com to get started or ask a question.

Study Permit Proof of Funds Just Increased – Here’s What You Need to Know

As of today—September 1, 2026—International Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has raised the proof-of-funds requirement for all study permit applicants studying outside Quebec. If you’re planning to study in Canada, you’ll need to demonstrate significantly more financial capacity than you would have just yesterday. The good news? You can absolutely meet this requirement if you understand exactly what IRCC expects and how to document it properly.

The New Proof-of-Funds Amounts (Effective September 1, 2026)

IRCC updates proof-of-funds requirements annually based on Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO). Starting today, here are the new minimums for study permit applicants:

• Single applicant with no dependents: $23,448 CAD (an increase of $553)
• Applicant with two dependent family members: $29,192 CAD (an increase of $690)
• Applicant with three dependents: $35,000 CAD
• Applicant with seven dependents: $62,054 CAD (an increase of $1,465)

These amounts reflect 75% of Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for the corresponding family size. These figures cover living expenses only and are separate from your tuition fees and travel costs. You’ll need to demonstrate proof of all three: tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.

Why Did IRCC Increase These Requirements?

Canada adjusts proof-of-funds requirements every September to reflect real changes in the cost of living across the country. University tuition, rent, food, and transportation costs have all increased, so IRCC’s financial thresholds move up accordingly. This is a routine adjustment, not a sudden policy shift, but the timing means your application filed today has higher financial requirements than one filed yesterday.

Additionally, starting in July 2026, IRCC’s officer instructions changed how they verify these funds. Previously, officers only closely scrutinized financial documentation in “high-risk” cases. Now, every single study permit application undergoes detailed financial assessment—regardless of risk profile. This means sloppy documentation or unclear fund sources that might have slipped through before will now trigger refusals or requests for additional information (Requests for Further Information, or RFIs).

What Documents IRCC Will Scrutinize

To satisfy the new proof-of-funds requirement, IRCC wants to see three categories of evidence:

• Proof of paid tuition and housing: Receipt or letter from your school showing tuition paid or approved, and proof of paid housing deposit or housing agreement.
• Proof of remaining funds: Bank statements, savings account statements, or investment account statements showing you have the remaining amount needed for living expenses.
• Proof of fund sources: Evidence showing where this money came from. This is the new critical piece. Did someone gift you money? You’ll need a statutory declaration from that person. Did you earn it through work? Provide employment letters and pay stubs. Is it from a business or investment? Provide business registration or investment account documentation.

Here’s the key: IRCC wants confidence that you actually have legal access to this money and that the funds are real, not borrowed for a single bank statement screenshot.

Step-by-Step: How to Document Your Proof of Funds

Step 1: Gather Your School and Housing Documentation

Contact your school’s admissions or international student office and request a letter confirming your tuition costs for the full program duration. If you’ve already paid your tuition deposit, get a receipt. Similarly, if you’ve secured housing through your school or privately, obtain a lease agreement or housing confirmation letter. Have these ready—they’re non-negotiable.

Step 2: Calculate Your Required Proof of Funds

Take the total tuition cost, add your paid housing amount, and subtract this from the IRCC minimum. For example:

• IRCC minimum for single applicant: $23,448
• Your tuition (paid): -$15,000
• Your housing (paid): -$5,000
• Remaining balance you must prove in liquid funds: $3,448

Note: You can include paid amounts (tuition, housing) toward the overall total, so strong financial preparation from day one reduces your burden.

Step 3: Gather Bank and Investment Statements

Pull the most recent three to six months of bank statements showing your liquid savings. IRCC wants to see consistent fund balances, not sudden deposits that look suspicious. If your balance fluctuates significantly, provide a brief explanation. If you’re using funds from an investment account (RRSP, stock portfolio, GICs), get statements showing those accounts are in your name and the funds are accessible within a reasonable timeframe.

Step 4: Document the Source of Your Funds

This is where many applicants stumble. For each significant source of money, provide documentation:

• Employment income: Provide your employment letter (on employer letterhead, signed, with your job title and annual salary) plus 2–3 recent pay stubs.
• Family gift: The gift-giving family member must provide a notarized or statutory declaration stating they gifted you the money, that no repayment is expected, and that this represents their genuine intention. Many banks can notarize this. Your family member should also provide their own bank statement showing they have the capacity to gift this amount.
• Inheritance or family assets: Provide the inheritance certificate, will, or family trust documentation.
• Government grants or scholarships: Provide award letters and evidence of disbursement.
• Savings from previous work: Provide employment reference letters and historical bank statements showing steady accumulation.

The principle is simple: IRCC needs a documentary trail that shows you legitimately have access to this money.

Step 5: Organize Everything Clearly

Create a folder with clear labels for each document type: “Tuition Receipt,” “Housing Agreement,” “Bank Statements Jan–Jun 2026,” “Employment Letter,” “Gift Statutory Declaration,” etc. Submit these in your study permit application package in a logical sequence. Many refusals happen not because applicants lack funds, but because the documentation is disorganized and officers can’t quickly verify what they’re looking at.

Common Mistakes That Get Study Permits Refused

Based on seven years of working with international students, here are the three most common proof-of-funds errors:

• Sudden large deposits: A bank statement showing $25,000 deposited yesterday looks suspicious. IRCC wants to see stable balances or documented, legitimate reasons for deposits (salary, scholarship disbursement, etc.).
• Undocumented family gifts: Saying “my parents gave me money” without a signed, notarized declaration from your parents is not enough. Get the statutory declaration.
• Vague or conflicting information: If your application states you’re self-employed but your bank statements show sporadic deposits with no business documentation, IRCC will ask questions. Provide clear evidence that matches your narrative.

What If You’re Studying in Quebec?

If you’re planning to study in Quebec, different financial rules apply. You’ll first need to obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), which has its own proof-of-funds requirements that are separate from and sometimes higher than the federal IRCC minimums. Work with an immigration consultant familiar with Quebec’s process to navigate these dual requirements.

Timeline: When Should You Prepare This?

Start gathering your proof-of-funds documentation at least 4–6 weeks before you plan to submit your study permit application. If you don’t yet have the required amount saved, be honest with yourself: can you reach it within the next month or two? If not, consider whether deferring your studies by one intake period will allow you to save the necessary funds. It’s better to apply when you’re well-prepared than to rush and face refusal.

Your Next Steps

The study permit process is straightforward if you understand what IRCC wants. You now have the exact amounts, the document categories, and the step-by-step approach to meet them. Start with your school’s tuition and housing letters, then build your financial documentation from there.

If your financial situation is complex—you have sponsors in multiple countries, you’re using a mix of employment income and family support, or you’re facing a refusal in process—we recommend speaking with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). We can review your documentation, identify gaps, and ensure your package tells a clear, compelling financial story to IRCC.

Study permit approval opens the door to Canadian education and can become a pathway to permanent residence. Getting the proof-of-funds requirement right on your first try is worth the effort. Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com to get started or ask a question.

How to Apply for the Francophone Student PR Pathway in Canada

If you’re a French-speaking student from Africa, the Middle East, or abroad, Canada just extended a unique pathway that gets you straight to permanent residence—without a job offer. The Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) remains open until August 2027, and the timeline is tight for students planning to start studies in Fall 2026.

Here’s exactly what you need to do to qualify and apply before the deadline.

What Makes This Pathway Different

Most international students follow this route: study on a study permit → find a Canadian job → apply through Express Entry or provincial nomination. The FMCSP eliminates the job offer requirement entirely.

Instead, if you’re a French-speaking student from an eligible country, you can:

1. Get a study permit to attend a designated Canadian institution
2. Complete your degree or diploma while living outside Quebec
3. Apply directly for permanent residence—no employer sponsorship needed

This pathway was created to support French-speaking communities in provinces where French is a minority language. It recognizes that French-speaking immigrants strengthen Canada’s linguistic diversity and help provincial economies. As of July 6, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the program will continue through August 2027, giving you another full year to pursue this opportunity.

Are You Eligible? Step 1: Check the Country List

You must be a citizen of one of 33 eligible countries. The list primarily includes French-speaking nations in Africa, the Middle East, and abroad. While the full official list is published on Canada.ca, eligible countries historically include nations such as:

• Senegal
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Cameroon
• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Guinea
• Mali
• Niger
• Togo
• Morocco
• Tunisia
• Algeria
• Haiti

Important: Verify your country is currently eligible by checking the official Government of Canada website or contacting us at hello@bisonimmigration.com. The list can change.

Step 2: Verify Your French Proficiency

You need to demonstrate NCLC Level 5 French proficiency across all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

This is a mid-level requirement—easier than Express Entry’s French-category draws (which require NCLC 7) but more rigorous than casual conversational French.

How to prove it: Take an approved French language test such as:

• TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
• TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)
• DALF (Diplôme d’aptitude à la langue française)
• DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française)

Plan for 4-8 weeks to prepare and take the test. Test results are valid for two years, so if you have recent scores, you may already qualify.

Step 3: Get Accepted to a Designated Institution

You must receive an acceptance letter from a Canadian post-secondary institution that participates in the FMCSP. As of July 2026, 17 designated learning institutions participate across Canada:

• Institutions in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta are primary hosts
• Programs must be completed outside Quebec
• The institution must be officially recognized by IRCC

What to do now:

1. Research which designated institutions offer programs aligned with your goals (business, engineering, healthcare, etc.).
2. Submit applications directly to the institution(s). Treat this like any standard international student application.
3. Once you receive an acceptance letter, you can move to the study permit stage.

Contact the institution’s international student office and confirm they participate in the FMCSP. This is critical—not all Canadian institutions are designated, and attending a non-designated school won’t qualify you for the PR pathway.

Step 4: Apply for Your Study Permit

With an acceptance letter in hand and NCLC 5 French proficiency proven, you can apply for a Canadian study permit.

You’ll need:

• Your acceptance letter from a designated institution
• Proof of French language proficiency (test results)
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters, or proof of scholarship) covering tuition and living expenses
• A valid passport
• Police certificate (if required by IRCC)
• Medical examination (if required)

Processing times: As of July 2026, study permit processing from outside Canada typically takes 4-7 weeks depending on your country of residence. Plan accordingly if you’re targeting a Fall 2026 start date.

Apply online: Submit your application through the Government of Canada’s online portal (Canada.ca). You cannot apply in person at a port of entry and then request a study permit—you must have it approved before arriving.

Step 5: Complete Your Credentials in Canada (Outside Quebec)

Once you arrive on your study permit, you must:

• Reside in a Canadian province or territory outside Quebec
• Maintain valid temporary resident status (keep your study permit valid)
• Complete your full degree or diploma through the designated institution

The FMCSP requires that you actually complete your studies and graduate. You cannot simply arrive, study for a semester, and then apply for PR. Most eligible programs are bachelor’s degrees (3-4 years) or diplomas (2-3 years).

During your studies:

• You’re permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during scheduled breaks (under standard Canadian student work rules)
• Build Canadian work experience and tax-filing history—both strengthen your PR application later
• Maintain your French language skills and proficiency

Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence

Once you graduate and have your diploma or degree in hand, you become eligible to apply for permanent residence under the FMCSP.

You’ll submit:

• Your official diploma or degree certification
• Evidence that you completed studies at a designated institution
• Proof you reside outside Quebec
• Your proof of French language proficiency (original test results)
• Police certificate
• Medical examination
• Proof of valid temporary resident status throughout your studies

Processing timeline: PR applications under the FMCSP typically process faster than traditional Express Entry pathways because the federal government prioritizes this program. Expect 4-6 months from submission to approval, though individual cases vary.

Timeline Example: Start Now, Get PR by 2029

Here’s a realistic timeline if you start the process today (August 2026):

• August–September 2026: Take French language test (4-8 weeks), apply to designated institutions
• September–October 2026: Receive acceptance letters, gather financial documents
• October–November 2026: Submit study permit application (4-7 week processing)
• December 2026: Arrive in Canada, begin your program
• December 2026–2029: Complete your degree or diploma
• 2029: Graduate and apply for permanent residence
• 2029 (late summer): Receive your permanent residence status

Timeline varies based on program length and processing speeds, but this gives you a realistic picture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Attending a non-designated institution. Verify the institution is officially designated for FMCSP before you apply. Attending a non-designated school means you won’t qualify for the PR pathway, even if it’s a legitimate Canadian university. Double-check with IRCC or the institution directly.

Mistake 2: Starting your studies in Quebec. The pathway explicitly requires you to reside outside Quebec during your studies. If you’re studying in Quebec, you don’t qualify. Make sure your institution is in another province.

Mistake 3: Letting your study permit lapse. You must maintain valid temporary resident status throughout your entire study period. If your permit expires and isn’t renewed, you lose eligibility. Keep track of expiration dates and apply for renewals 9 months before expiry.

Mistake 4: Not meeting NCLC 5 proficiency before applying. Language proficiency is not waivable. You cannot apply for a study permit under the FMCSP without proof of NCLC 5 French. Plan at least 8-12 weeks to reach this level if you’re starting from scratch.

Mistake 5: Assuming you can work full-time while studying. Canadian study permit rules limit you to 20 hours per week during school terms. Working beyond this limit violates your conditions and can result in permit cancellation.

Why This Pathway Matters Right Now

The FMCSP extension to August 2027 is a signal that Canada is serious about attracting and retaining French-speaking talent from outside Quebec. Competition for Canadian permanent residence is intense, and most pathways require a job offer or high Express Entry scores (currently 500+ CRS points).

This pathway removes that barrier. If you have the language skills, financial means, and commitment to study in Canada for 3-4 years, you have a clear, direct route to permanent residence.

The timeline is tight for Fall 2026 enrollment, but Spring 2027 intake is still viable. The program continues until August 2027, giving you until then to begin your studies (to ensure you finish within the program window).

Next Steps

This week: Confirm your country’s eligibility, then take (or retake) a French proficiency test. Search for designated FMCSP institutions offering programs in your field.

This month: Apply to 2-3 designated institutions. Contact their international student office and confirm FMCSP eligibility explicitly.

Once accepted: Gather financial documentation, apply for your study permit, and prepare for arrival in Canada.

If you have questions about whether this pathway is right for you, or if you need help navigating the study permit or PR application stages, we’re here to help. Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com to discuss your situation.

—Kari Davis, RCIC

If you are working in Canada and studying at the same time, a key deadline is almost here. The temporary public policy that allowed many work permit holders to study without a separate study permit expires on June 27, 2026. After that date, anyone whose program continues will need a valid study permit in Canada to stay authorized. This guide walks you through exactly what to check and what to do now.

What the policy did, and why it matters for your study permit in Canada

In June 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a temporary public policy allowing certain foreign nationals who already held a work permit — or who had applied to renew one — to enroll in studies without first obtaining a study permit. It was a practical bridge for workers who wanted to upskill while employed, and it removed a step that would otherwise have delayed their education.

According to IRCC, the policy was always time-limited. It has been in force since June 27, 2023, and it ends on June 27, 2026. Eligibility was tied to a specific cut-off: your work permit application (or renewal) generally had to be submitted on or before June 7, 2023. If you have relied on this policy, your authorization to study without a permit runs until the earliest of three dates — the day your work permit expires, the day a decision is made on your renewal, or June 27, 2026.

What the expiry means for you

The change is straightforward but easy to underestimate. Once the policy lapses, studying without a study permit is no longer authorized. If your program ends on or before June 27, 2026, you are not affected — you can simply finish. But if your studies continue past that date, you must hold a valid study permit to remain in compliance. Continuing to study without one after the deadline puts your status at risk.

There is also a second issue that catches many people off guard, and it is worth stating plainly: time spent studying under this temporary policy does not build eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP program requires that you held a valid study permit throughout your studies and met all the standard program requirements. Completing a program under the no-permit policy does not satisfy that condition. If a future PGWP is part of your plan, this distinction matters a great deal.

Your action steps before June 27, 2026

Here is a clear sequence to follow this week.

1. Confirm when your program ends. If it concludes on or before June 27, 2026, no further action is needed to remain authorized. If it continues past that date, move to the next step.
2. Check your work permit expiry and renewal status. Your authorization under the policy already ends when your work permit expires or when a decision is issued on a pending renewal. Know which date comes first so there are no surprises.
3. Apply for a study permit if your studies continue past the deadline. A standard study permit requires a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, proof you can support yourself, and the other documents IRCC lists for the program. Processing takes time, so apply as early as possible to avoid a gap in your authorization.
4. Plan around a PGWP carefully. If you intend to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit later, remember that study time without a valid study permit will not count. Speak with a licensed representative before you commit to a program so you understand how it affects your long-term options.
5. Keep your records organized. Save your work permit, any work authorization or renewal letters, your enrollment documents, and your study permit application confirmation. Clear documentation makes any future application — and any question from an officer — far easier to handle.

If you are unsure whether the policy applied to you in the first place, that is also worth confirming. The eligibility cut-off dates were specific, and acting on an assumption rather than the facts is where avoidable mistakes happen.

A note on timing

Deadlines like this one reward early action. Study permit processing is not instant, and a program that runs even a few weeks past June 27, 2026 means you need authorization in place before then. If you wait until the deadline to start, you may find yourself studying out of status while you wait for a decision. Reviewing your situation now — while there is still room to act — is the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one.

Every case turns on its own facts, including your work permit history, your program dates, and your future goals. If you would like a clear read on where you stand and what to do next, contact Bison Immigration Consulting today for a personalized assessment.

For the past three years, a temporary public policy has allowed certain foreign workers to study in Canada without holding a separate study permit. That policy expires on June 27, 2026. If you have been taking courses on this basis, you may need a study permit in Canada to keep studying after that date — and the time to confirm your situation is now, not the week of the deadline. This guide walks through exactly what is ending, who it affects, and the steps to take before June 27.

What the Policy Did and Why It Is Ending

The temporary public policy came into effect on June 27, 2023, with a three-year lifespan. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it let eligible foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit — or who applied to renew one and remain authorized to work — enrol in a program of study without first obtaining a study permit. Eligibility was tied to a specific cutoff: the underlying work permit application generally had to have been received by IRCC on or before June 7, 2023.

The policy was always temporary. IRCC set it to expire on June 27, 2026, and that date has not moved. Once it lapses, the normal rule returns: anyone who wants to pursue studies in Canada that require a study permit must hold one.

Who Needs a Study Permit After the Policy Ends

This change matters most if you are a worker already in Canada who has been studying without a study permit under the policy. After June 27, 2026, your authorization to study under this special measure ends. To continue a program of study beyond that point, you will generally need to apply for obtain a study permit.

There are two limitations that surprise people, and they are worth understanding clearly:

• No post-graduation work permit eligibility. Completing studies under this policy does not make you eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). PGWP eligibility requires that you held a valid study permit during your program — studying without one does not count.
• No Canadian Experience Class credit during full-time study. Work experience you gain during a period of full-time study under this policy does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class, and you cannot earn Express Entry points for it.

In other words, the policy was a convenience for upgrading skills while working — not a back door to a study-based permanent residence pathway.

Action Steps to Take Before June 27, 2026

If any of this applies to you, here is a clear sequence to follow:

1. Confirm whether you were actually relying on the policy. If you have been studying without a study permit, check whether you were doing so under this measure or under another provision. Your eligibility depended on the June 7, 2023 application cutoff, so verify your own work permit history rather than assuming.
2. Check your study plans against June 27, 2026. If your program finishes before that date, you may simply complete it. If it continues past June 27, you will likely need a study permit to keep studying — so plan for the gap now.
3. Apply for a study permit early if you intend to keep studying. Study permit processing takes time, and applying in advance protects your ability to continue without interruption. If a PGWP later matters to you, remember that only study completed while holding a valid study permit counts toward that pathway.
4. Reassess your status if you plan to stop studying. Some workers will choose to return to full-time work only. Confirm that your work permit remains valid and that your activities match its conditions.
5. Keep your records organized. Gather your work permit, any renewal correspondence from IRCC, proof of enrolment, and your passport. Whether you apply for a study permit or simply confirm your status, having documents ready prevents last-minute problems.
6. Get advice before the deadline, not after. Because the consequences touch PGWP eligibility, Express Entry, and your legal status, a short conversation with a licensed advisor now can save a costly misstep later.

The Bottom Line

The end of this policy is not a crisis, but it is a hard deadline that rewards early planning. The workers who handle it well will be the ones who check their situation in June rather than discovering a problem in July. If your studies continue past June 27, 2026, treat a study permit application as the default next step — and confirm the details that apply to your specific case.

If you are unsure how the expiry of this policy affects your status, your studies, or your path to permanent residence, professional guidance can help you act with confidence and on time. Contact hello@bisonimmigration.com today for a personalized assessment.