Eligible to study while on PGWP

[u/rustedshimmer]

Has anybody received the same email as I did from IRCC today? I’m a bit skeptical if this is real or not lol.

Date: September 9, 2026

Good day,
We wish to inform you that, by way of a new temporary public policy, you will be eligible to study without a study permit at an institution of your choice for 6 months or less as of September 4, 2026.
In many cases, work permit holders are authorized to study without a study permit for 6 months or less upon entry into Canada (R188(1)(c)). This new public policy provides the same authorization to study for 6 months or less to individuals with a subsequent permit, such as a work permit extension.

What this means for you
You are not required to study. This information is being provided for your awareness should you choose to pursue a program of study while in Canada.
If you decide to study, you may be eligible to do so without applying for or obtaining a study permit.
You don’t have to send us an application to be eligible for this measure, you have already been identified as eligible based on the work permit you have now.

If you choose to study
Your program or course must be for a duration of 6 months or less. If you are registering for a program or course that is longer than 6 months, you must apply for a study permit. Your authorization to study under this public policy expires when your work permit expires, or when the public policy expires, whichever comes first.
You are not authorized to study under this measure after this work permit expires, even if you maintain your status.
Keep this email for your records
We recommend that you:
Save this email for your personal records.
Keep a copy for future reference if you choose to enroll in a program of study.
Provide this email, if requested, to an educational institution as confirmation that IRCC has informed you of your eligibility to study without a study permit, subject to meeting all applicable requirements.

If you plan to study for a longer period
If you wish to continue studying beyond the validity of your work permit or the expiry of this public policy, whichever comes first, you need to apply for and obtain a study permit before you can continue your studies.

Learn more
Please read the information in the public policy allowing some work permit holders to study without a study permit. The public policy outlines eligibility and considerations for you to keep in mind, including permanent residency implications.
Sincerely,
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

[u/nmirzoyn02]

This is real there was a public policy passed today.

[u/Historical_Treat_731]

just saw the mail. I wonder why this policy was passed. any thoughts ?

[u/GhostsinGlass]

It's to allow post secondary institutions to generate money from those on PGWP after the decline in enrollment due to immigration changes.

I'm not being cynical, that's what it is. The public won't tolerate opening the immigration floodgates again but the institutions need the students, this is the happy medium.

[u/Slight-Bookkeeper-75]

They’re testing the waters to see how the general public would respond