The policy allowing study without a study permit ends: June 27, 2026 is the deadline | ImmigraCan
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The temporary public policy that allowed foreign workers to study in Canada without a study permit expired on June 27, 2026. Understand what changes, who needs to act, and how to keep valid status and PGWP eligibility.
Policy expired on June 27, 2026
On June 27, 2026, the temporary public policy that, since June 27, 2023, had allowed certain foreign workers with a work permit to study in Canada without needing a separate study permit expired. The measure was created to give temporary foreign workers more flexibility to upgrade their qualifications, credentials, or licensing while continuing to work.
From now on, anyone who wants to study in Canada needs a valid study permit — regardless of whether they already hold a work permit.
Who was eligible under the policy
The policy allowed studying without a study permit if, cumulatively:
- The work permit application had been received by IRCC by June 7, 2023, or
- A work permit renewal under section 201 of the regulations had been submitted by June 7, 2023, and the person was authorized to work under paragraph 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
Workers who applied for a work permit after June 7, 2023 were never eligible for the policy, even if they held a valid work permit.
What happened on June 27, 2026
Authorization to study without a permit was valid until the earliest of the following events:
- The work permit application being refused
- The work permit expiring
- Expiration of the policy on 06/27/2026 (which has now occurred)
As of that date, anyone still enrolled needs to obtain a valid study permit to remain in compliance.
Consequences of not regularizing your status
Continuing to study without a study permit after June 27, 2026 can lead to severe consequences:
1. Loss of legal status in Canada
Studying without authorization violates the conditions of the work permit. The person may be considered out of status — which affects the renewal of any permit, including future permanent residence applications.
2. Refusal of work permit renewal
IRCC can deny renewal of the work permit if it identifies a violation of the work condition, and such violations have become more frequent in recent years.
3. Ineligibility for the PGWP
Perhaps the most serious impact: studying under the old policy does not count as eligible study for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To qualify for the PGWP, you must have held a valid study permit throughout the entire program.
In other words: anyone who studied for the last 2 or 3 years without a study permit (relying on the old policy) will not obtain a PGWP upon completing the program.
What to do now
If you were relying on the policy and are still partway through a program, here's the step-by-step:
1. Apply for a study permit immediately
IRCC accepts study permit applications from within Canada if you already have a valid work permit. From the moment the new application is in the system, you can continue studying while awaiting the decision (implied status for study, depending on the situation).
2. Obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a DLI
You need an LOA issued by a valid Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If your institution is not a DLI, the study permit will not be approved.
3. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) — when required
Degree and diploma programs require a PAL from the province. Master's and doctoral programs have been exempt from the PAL since the June 2026 update.
4. Confirm PGWP eligibility before investing
Not every program grants PGWP eligibility. Before continuing (or starting) a course, confirm that the program is on the current PGWP-eligible fields of study list.
The 150-day rule
Alongside the end of the policy, IRCC also formalized the 150-day rule for study permit holders: if a person does not resume studies within 150 days of an interruption (for any reason), they must change status (visitor or worker) or leave Canada. The interruption must be authorized by the DLI.
A note for Brazilians
Many Brazilians with a closed (LMIA-based) work permit used the policy to take English classes, technical courses, or even college programs. Those studies do not generate PGWP eligibility and, from now on, cannot continue without a study permit either.
If this is your case, the recommendation is: apply for a study permit today and consider reworking your PGWP plan around a course that starts after the new permit is issued.
Conclusion
The end of the June 27 policy closes an important window that had existed since 2023. From now on, the path to studying in Canada returns to the standard rule: a valid study permit from the start to the end of the program — no shortcuts.
If you're not sure whether your profile fits a study permit or another program, start with our free eligibility quiz or check out our immigration programs section.
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*This content is informational and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. ImmigraCan is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC. Always confirm official information at canada.ca and, for your specific case, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer.*