The Minister of IRCC, Sean Fraser, declared a recent temporary measure on June 27th, 2023. Work permit holders are granted study flexibility by IRCC, according to this measure. This measure eliminates the restriction on the duration of study programs available to temporary foreign workers who wish to enroll without a study permit.
As a result of this policy, IRCC recognized that foreign workers may face restrictions in terms of the types of study programs they can enroll in to further their education or training.
Previously, foreign workers may have worked while enrolled in a six-month or shorter degree program. If they intended to enroll in a longer program, they would need to apply for a different study visa. The lack of authenticated foreign credentials has been a barrier for international workers who wish to further their education and training.
Work permit holders granted study flexibility by IRCC – Temporary measure empowers foreign workers
New interim measures are effective for three years. A valid work permit allows foreign workers to enroll in classes full- or part-time, regardless of the length of the program.
Starting from June 27, 2023, the interim measure will cover all workers with valid work permits or those awaiting extensions. Nevertheless, foreign workers who wish to continue their studies after their work permits expire must apply for a study permit.
The policy will increase the employment opportunities available to foreign nationals. Additionally, it will increase their chances of moving to permanent residence by raising their CRS through further study or by acquiring relevant work experience.
Sean Fraser emphasized that the implementation of this strategy aims to empower foreign nationals by providing them with the necessary resources for talent development and the achievement of their aspirations. Simultaneously, it serves as a potential talent pool for addressing future labor market needs. The strategy focuses on eliminating barriers that hinder skill development, particularly enabling foreign-trained medical professionals to contribute their expertise to healthcare provision, ultimately benefiting the well-being of our communities and supporting the healthcare system. In addition, it plays a vital role in community strengthening, fostering construction projects, and facilitating the transition of construction workers into skilled tradespeople. The overarching objective of this immigration policy is to address the prevailing labor shortage while delivering significant advantages for workers, employers, and the overall economy.
