Canada has introduced a temporary measure allowing eligible foreign workers in three occupational groups to study for up to six months without obtaining a separate study permit.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the policy on September 9, 2026. It covers eligible work permit holders in trades, nursing and laboratory technology who require short-term education, licensing courses or professional training.
The exemption will remain in effect until December 31, 2027, allowing qualifying workers to complete approved courses without applying for an additional study permit.
For Nigerian professionals and other African migrants working in Canada, the measure could simplify access to training needed to meet occupational and professional licensing requirements.
However, the exemption does not cover every foreign worker or all educational programmes. Those intending to pursue longer academic courses or studies outside the policy’s scope must follow the standard study permit process.
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The measure also does not create a new immigration pathway or provide an automatic route to permanent residence. Eligible workers must continue to comply with their existing work permit conditions and other immigration requirements.
The policy comes as Canada seeks to reduce temporary residents to less than five per cent of its population by the end of 2027.
Foreign workers are advised to consult IRCC’s official website to confirm their eligibility and review the exemption’s conditions before enrolling in a programme.
Three occupations covered by Canada’s study permit exemption. The temporary measure identifies three occupational groups whose members may benefit from the exemption, subject to the policy’s eligibility conditions.
1. Tradespeople
Foreign workers in the trades may need to complete training, certification courses or other educational programmes before they can meet the requirements for certain jobs in Canada.
The exemption allows eligible work permit holders in this group to undertake qualifying programmes lasting up to six months without obtaining a separate study permit.
This could help workers who need to update their skills or complete training linked to professional licensing. Rather than applying for an additional permit, eligible workers can focus on meeting the educational requirements for their occupations.
However, the exemption does not remove any licensing, certification or professional requirements that apply to their work.
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2. Nurses
Nurses are another occupational group covered by the measure.
Foreign-trained nurses working in Canada may need further education, examinations or training to meet provincial or territorial registration requirements. Some may also need short courses to maintain their qualifications or meet professional standards.
Under the exemption, eligible nurses holding work permits can undertake qualifying studies of up to six months without applying for a separate study permit.
The change could help nurses complete certain training requirements while continuing to work under the conditions of their existing permits.
However, the exemption does not guarantee professional registration or authorisation to practise nursing. Nurses must still meet the requirements set by the relevant regulatory authorities.
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3. Laboratory technicians
Laboratory technicians also fall within the occupational groups covered by the policy.
Workers in this field may need additional training, certification or continuing education to meet the requirements of their jobs. Depending on their roles, some may need short courses to develop their technical skills or satisfy professional standards.
The measure allows eligible work permit holders in this group to pursue qualifying programmes lasting up to six months without a separate study permit.
For workers seeking to meet these requirements, the exemption could reduce the administrative steps involved in accessing training.
As with tradespeople and nurses, eligibility depends on the conditions of the measure and the nature of the intended course.
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Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.
