This week, Immigration Canada notified eligible work permit holders that they can now study career programs for up to 6 months without applying for a study permit.
If you're a temporary worker in Ontario—a healthcare professional, lab technician, nurse, tradesperson, or skilled worker—this opens a window to upskill, advance your career, and stay employed all at the same time. The policy is in effect until December 31, 2027.
Here's everything you need to know, and how to act now.
On September 9, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
announced a new
temporary public policy allowing work permit holders to study for up to 6 months without needing a separate study permit.
This isn't about bringing new workers to Canada—it's about helping skilled workers already here develop the certifications, licenses, and credentials that Ontario's healthcare system, social services, and skilled trades urgently need.
The policy is:
- Effective immediately (as of September 4, 2026)
- Available to any work permit holder with a valid permit
- Limited to programs 6 months or less
- Time-limited through December 31, 2027
Think of it this way: you don't have to choose between keeping your job and getting trained. You can do both.
The government specifically identified these sectors:
- Healthcare workers (nurses, nursing assistants, lab technicians, clinical support roles)
- Tradespeople and skilled workers
- Anyone on a valid work permit looking to gain in-demand certifications
You don't need to have received a notification from IRCC to qualify. If you hold a valid work permit and your program is 6 months or less, you're eligible—no special permission required.
Important: If you want to do a co-op work placement with a different employer or in a different role, you may need a second work permit. Open work permit holders don't. Contact admissions if this applies to you.
Ontario has a chronic shortage of healthcare and social services support staff. Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities need more administrative coordinators, unit clerks, office assistants, and community support workers.
If you're currently working in healthcare or social services, a short-term diploma or certificate positions you for:
- Supervisory or specialized roles
- Higher hourly rates and career advancement
- Credentials recognized across Ontario's healthcare system
- Stable employment in high-demand sectors
You stay employed while you study. No study permit bureaucracy.
Self-funded tuition (with York College Access Grant applied automatically):
Healthcare Administration & Support- Hospital Unit Clerk Diploma (4 months): $3,995
- Medical Office Assistant Diploma (5 months): $4,495
- Health Services Administration & Management Diploma (6 months): $4,995
Community ServicesCommunity Services Worker Diploma (5 months): $4,495
Flexible payment plans available for all programs—start with a small deposit and spread payments over your study timeline. Most students start with a $495 deposit followed by monthly installments of $500.
If you qualify for government funding (Better Jobs Ontario, WSIB, Ontario Works), your tuition may be covered entirely by your funding program.
Step 1: Check your work permit
Confirm your work permit is valid for the length of your program—4 to 6 months depending on which you choose.
Step 2: Choose your program Think about where you want your career to go:
- Hospital/clinic administrative roles? Hospital Unit Clerk (4 months, $3,995) or Medical Office Assistant (5 months, $4,495)
- Management or supervisory track? HSAM (6 months, $4,995)
- Frontline shelter or community services work? Community Services Worker Diploma (5 months, $4,495)
You can start any diploma directly—no prerequisites needed. All are designed for working professionals and career changers.
Step 3: Contact admissions
Email admissions@yorkc.ca or call (647) 558-7060 with:
- Your program of interest
- Your work permit status (just confirm it's valid; we'll explain what we need)
- Your preferred start date
We work directly with work permit holders. No surprises. No delays.
Step 4: Enroll and start If you contact us this week, you could be starting your program within days.
Talk to your employer first. While you have the legal right to study, it's smart to let your employer know about your schedule. Many are supportive of employee development. You may need to adjust your work hours temporarily, especially for a diploma.
You don't need to apply to IRCC. Just show your valid work permit to the college when you enrol.
This policy expires December 31, 2027. After that date, the rules may change.
Our Letter of Acceptance is for enrolment only. York College programs are delivered entirely online and are classified as distance learning. A Letter of Acceptance cannot be used to apply for or support a study permit. You're responsible for holding valid status in Canada for the duration of your studies.
Under this policy, work experience gained during full-time study doesn't count toward Express Entry or Canadian Experience Class eligibility. IRCC hasn't published a definition of "full-time" for this policy, but here's a straight picture of what our programs require.
Our diplomas run 560 or more instructional hours. Completed within the policy's 6-month window, that's roughly 25 to 35 hours of study a week. You should assume IRCC would treat that as full-time study. If every month of Canadian work experience matters to your PR application, a diploma may not be the right choice right now — a short certificate may be.
Our short certificates are part-time by any measure. At 40 hours over 6 weeks, that's about 7 hours a week, and you earn a recognized credential without a meaningful gap in countable work experience.
If Express Entry is part of your plan, consult an immigration lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant before enrolling. We'll give you straight answers about study hours for any program.
Do I need to apply to IRCC for permission to study?
No. If you have a valid work permit and your program is 6 months or less, you're eligible. Just provide your work permit to the college when you enroll.
Does the program need to be full-time to qualify under this policy?
No. The policy is based on program length—6 months or less—not on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Will this affect my pathway to permanent residency?
It may. Under this policy, work experience gained during full-time study does not count toward Express Entry or Canadian Experience Class eligibility. How your study is classified depends on your circumstances. Consult an immigration lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant before enrolling if permanent residency is part of your plan.
What if my work permit expires before I finish?
You can study until your permit expires or until you complete the program, whichever comes first. Most of our programs are 4-6 months, so plan accordingly.
I'm in Quebec. Does this apply to me?
Yes. Quebec has also exempted temporary workers from needing a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies under 6 months. The rules are the same.
Do I need to submit my work permit with my application?
Not at application—but you'll need to show it when you enroll. We'll walk you through the process.
This is a time-limited window. The policy is in effect now, but it expires December 31, 2027. Eligible workers are being notified this week.
If you're a temporary worker in Ontario considering a healthcare or social services career move, the time to act is now.
Contact our admissions team this week:
Email: admissions@yorkc.ca
Phone: (647) 558-7060
Tell us:
- Your program interest
- When you'd like to start
We'll handle the rest.
