The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, announced a new temporary measure in Canada that removes the time limit on study programs available to temporary foreign workers without study permits. Previously, these workers could only pursue programs of less than 6 months without needing to apply for a separate study permit. This posed a barrier for those who wanted to pursue longer studies to enhance their skills and employment prospects.
The new measure will allow temporary foreign workers to pursue additional training and courses, either on a full-time or part-time basis, for the duration of their work permit, without a time limit on their study program. This will provide new career opportunities and increase their chances of transitioning to permanent residency.
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The three-year temporary measure applies to individuals who hold a valid work permit or have applied for a renewal before June 7, 2023, and are authorized to work. If a foreign worker wishes to study for a longer period than allowed by their work permit, they will still need to apply for a study permit.
You may be eligible for an open work permit in the following cases:
You are a foreign student who has obtained a degree from a designated educational institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
You are a student who is unable to afford the cost of your studies (financially disadvantaged student).
You have a work permit tied to a specific employer and are a victim of violence or at risk of violence in the context of your employment in Canada.
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You have applied for permanent residence in Canada.
You are a dependent family member of a person who has applied for permanent residence.
You are the spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child of a low or high-skilled worker.
You are the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign student.
You are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or foreign student.
You are the spouse or common-law partner of a participant in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program or the Atlantic Immigration Program.
You are a refugee, asylum seeker, protected person, or a family member of such person.
You are subject to a deportation order that cannot be enforced.
You are a temporary resident permit holder.
You are a young worker participating in a special program.
In each of these situations, you must meet additional criteria to be eligible.