Lots of foreign workers come to Canada every year. They bring useful skills that help our economy grow and fill job spots that are needed. But sometimes, these workers face problems when they want to study and improve their skills in Canada.
Today, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, shared some great news. Foreign workers can now study longer courses without needing a special study permit. Before, they could only study short courses of 6 months or less while working. For longer courses, they needed to apply for a separate study permit. This was hard for workers who wanted to get better at their jobs or validate their skills from their home countries.
With this new rule, foreign workers can study while they work, for as long as their work permits allow. The rule will be in place for the next 3 years.
With immediate effect, this policy change paves the way for foreign workers to unlock their potential, gain additional training, and amplify their education. Not only does this foster career growth, but it also bolsters their chances of transitioning to permanent residency. The previous policy only allowed foreign workers to engage in educational programs of six months or less while working. To undertake longer courses, a separate study permit was needed, creating an obstacle for those eager to advance their skills or authenticate their international credentials.
This rule is for people who already have a work permit or who applied to renew their work permit by June 7, 2023, and are allowed to work. If workers want to study longer than their work permit, they still need to get a study permit.
Fast Facts:
- Most of the growth in Canada’s labor force comes from immigration. Soon, up to 30% of all people in Canada will be immigrants, up from 20.7% in 2011.
- Fifty years ago, there were 7 workers for each retired person in Canada. Today, there are only about 3 workers for each retired person. This number might drop to 2 workers for each retired person in the next 10-15 years.
- Canada’s education system is really good, ranked in the top 10 in the world.
- This new rule might help more foreign workers become permanent residents of Canada. They can improve their scores for the Express Entry system by studying or working part-time while they study.
- Although work experience accumulated during a period of full-time study does not contribute to the Canadian Experience Class eligibility or earn Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, this temporary policy change could improve the odds of more foreign nationals securing an invitation for permanent residence through Express Entry.
- Prospective immigrants could potentially boost their CRS score by achieving a higher level of education or by gaining qualifying work experience during part-time studies. Enhanced language proficiency in French or English, or gaining experience in higher-skilled employment as a result of improved skills through studies, could also prove beneficial.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will watch how this new rule works and think about if they should keep it or change it in the future.”
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