As of September 4, 2026, IRCC introduced a temporary public policy which allows certain work permit holders to study without a study permit for 6 months or less.
The special measures for temporary residence that were in effect until March 31, 2026, have now been extended. IRCC issued an announcement on April 1, 2026, that Ukrainian nationals or eligible family members of a Ukrainian that arrived in Canada on or before December 31, 2024, may be eligible to extend their open work permits.
As of April 1, 2026, a separate co-op work permit is no longer necessary. IRCC has announced that moving forward, co-op students may instead use the work authorizations included on their valid study permit to perform co-op work placements. IRCC will no longer be issuing co-op work permits. Instead, you can use your valid study permit, as long as it has a condition or remark which indicates you may perform on-campus work.
IRCC has announced that the special measures for Iranian temporary residents in Canada, which had expired on February 28, 2026, have now been extended to March 31, 2027. However, the criteria for the special measures have changed.
IRCC has announced a number of changes for international Grad students and launched a dedicated study permit page outlining these changes on November 6, 2025.
An internal communication was sent from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on June 24, 2025, which acknowledges the issue of prolonged processing times for study permit extensions. Under rules introduced in November 2024, international students changing designated learning institutions (DLI) have to receive approval for their study permit extensions before beginning studies at the new DLI. IRCC is providing an update which would allow students to begin studies at a new DLI.
On April 24, 2023, IRCC announced new immigration measures to support Sudanese temporary residents who are currently in Canada and may be unable to return home due to the rapidly deteriorating situation in their country.
There are still measures in place for Ukrainians with a valid temporary residence status who arrived in Canada under the CUAET measures before March 31, 2024.
IRCC has announced that the special measures for Iranian temporary residents in Canada, previously set to expire on February 28, 2025, have now been extended to February 28, 2026.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a statement on November 15, 2024, declaring that international students in Canada may now work up to 24 hours per week for off-campus employment. This is an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week. This change in policy is effective from November 15, 2024 onward.