What to Do Before the Study Without a Study Permit Policy Ends

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.