Dear Mr Brown,

Is it true that temporary foreign workers in Canada no longer need a study permit to pursue courses that are longer than six months? I heard that there is a policy change, but I need more clarity.

-BR

Dear BR:

The Canadian Government has made a significant policy change regarding the provision of temporary foreign workers to be able to study in Canada.

Study permit not required

Before this temporary policy change, foreign workers could only study in programmes lasting six months or less. A separate study permit was necessary for longer courses. The new three-year temporary measure removes the limitation on the length of study programmes that a temporary foreign worker can enrol in without requiring a study permit.

Full-time studies

Foreign workers can study full-time or part-time while your work permit is valid, with no restrictions on the length of the programme. However, study programmes which are longer than the duration of the work permit would require a separate study permit. The new measure applies to foreign workers with a valid work permit or have submitted an application to renew a work permit before June 7, 2023.

Eligibility

To be eligible, one must be authorised to work in Canada with either of the following:

• A valid work permit that was issued on or before June 7, 2023, or

• A letter authorising work while the work permit extension application is being processed issued on or before June 7, 2023.

It is important to highlight that, applying for a work permit after June 7, 2023 would make on ineligible.

If one is eligible and held a valid work permit on June 7, 2023, the studying without a study permit is possible until the earliest of the 2 following dates:

• The expiry date on your work permit

• June 27, 2026 (the date this public policy expires)

Canadian work experience gained during a period of full-time study does not count toward eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), nor can students earn Express Entry points for it. However, there would be additional points for higher level of education or gaining qualifying work experience through part-time studies. A good strategy could be to use this opportunity to improve their French or English proficiency and gain more points.

Please visit JAMAICA2CANADA.COM for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programs, including Express Entry, The Study & Work program, Visas or Appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and an accredited Canadian education agent of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM—a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston, and AfriCanadaServices.com in Abuja, Nigeria. Send questions/comments to documents.jamaica2canada@gmail.com