Canada has announced a new temporary policy that will allow foreign workers on work permits to enroll in study programs longer than six months without needing a study permit, making it easier for them to study in Canada. The policy, which was announced by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, on June 27, 2023, aims to benefit the tens of thousands of temporary foreign workers who contribute to the Canadian economy and labor market.
According to the minister, the policy will improve the employment options and settlement prospects for foreign workers, as well as help them pursue their educational goals and seize new opportunities in Canada.
“Foreign workers contribute their abilities and experience to Canada, but they sometimes run into difficulties to join the education programs that can enable them to improve in their careers and adapt to Canadian society. This new policy will remove those barriers and allow them to enrol in full- or part-time studies for as long as their work permits are valid or until the policy expires,” Fraser announced in a press release.
Policy Details and Eligibility
The policy will be in effect for three years, until June 27, 2026. It will apply to anyone who has a valid work permit or who has applied for a work permit extension as of June 27, 2023.
Previously, foreign workers needed a Canada student visa or a study permit if they wanted to enroll in a course or program that was longer than six months. This meant that they had to meet additional eligibility criteria and pay additional fees to study in Canada.
The new policy will remove the cap on the duration of a study program for work permit holders, allowing them to enroll in any program that is offered by a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
However, foreign workers who want to continue their studies beyond the validity of their work permits or beyond the expiry of the policy will still need to apply for a study permit.
Policy Benefits and Impacts
The policy is expected to benefit foreign workers who want to further their education and acquire additional skills, especially those who need to upgrade or validate their international credentials through specific programs.
For example, foreign workers who want to become licensed professionals in Canada may need to complete bridging programs or exams that are longer than six months. With the new policy, they will be able to do so without needing a Canada Student Visa or a study permit.
The policy is also expected to benefit employers who want to retain and upskill their foreign workers, as well as educational institutions who want to attract and serve more international students.
The policy is part of Canada’s efforts to support the recovery and growth of the economy and the labour market after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected many sectors and industries that rely on foreign workers.
Canada has also introduced other measures to facilitate the immigration and integration of foreign workers, such as extending work permits, providing open work permits for former international students, and increasing the intake of permanent residents through various immigration programs.
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