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 Bison Immigration Consulting today for a personalized assessment.