Temporary Foreign Worker Program
New Policy For Foreign Workers Looking to Study in Canada Simultaneously
Canada’s immigration minister Sean Fraser has announced an extension to the study authorization for work permit holders effective immediately. This new temporary measure eliminates the previous limitation on the duration of study programs that foreign workers could enroll in without a study permit.
Studying Becomes More Accessible For Temporary Foreign Workers
Temporary foreign workers have long played a crucial role in bolstering Canada’s economy and filling critical labour market gaps. However, these individuals have often encountered obstacles when it comes to pursuing their educational goals and seizing new opportunities within the country.
This new temporary measure will eliminate the limit on the length of study programs that temporary foreign workers can enroll in without needing a study permit. Previously, foreign workers were only permitted to enrol in educational programs lasting 6 months. For programs lasting 6 months or more, applicants had to apply for a separate study program. This presented a significant hurdle for those seeking to enhance their education, receive further training, or validate their foreign credentials through specialized programs.
Effective immediately, foreign workers can now study on a full-time or part-time basis while their work permits remain valid, or until the expiration of the policy. This policy will remain in effect for 3 years. Importantly, there are no restrictions on the length of the study program, granting individuals the flexibility to pursue their educational objectives without unnecessary barriers.
This temporary measure specifically applies to individuals who currently hold a valid work permit or have a pending decision on their work permit extension as of June 27, 2023. If a foreign worker wishes to undertake a study program that exceeds the duration of their work permit, they will still be required to apply for a separate study permit.
Minister Sean Fraser expressed his enthusiasm for this new policy, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting temporary foreign workers and their contributions to the Canadian workforce. By removing the limitations on study program duration, the government aims to empower these individuals to develop their skills and expertise further, thus benefiting both their own professional growth and the overall Canadian economy.
The extended study authorization is expected to create new avenues for career advancement and educational enrichment for temporary foreign workers, fostering an environment of inclusivity and providing them with additional tools to succeed in their chosen fields.
With this policy in place, we hope to empower foreign nationals to improve their skills in order to meet their career goals and achieve their dreams, while providing a future potential source of talent for our labour market.
Newcomers in The Coming Years
Critical labour market shortages have led many to turn to immigration as a path forward in addressing these critical shortages. The new 2023-2025 Immigration Plan embraces immigration as a strategy to help businesses find workers. It also aims to attract the skills required to fill key sectors, such as health care, skilled trades, manufacturing and technology. This will help to manage the social and economic challenges facing Canada in the decades ahead.
Over the next three years, Canada will increase the number of new immigrants to the country each year. Canada will aim to welcome 465,000 new immigrants in 2023. The target will rise to 485,000 new immigrants in 2024. And it will again rise in 2025 to 500,000 new immigrants. The plan also brings an increased focus on attracting newcomers to different regions of the country, including small towns and rural communities.
The new plan also aims to increase regional programs to address targeted local labour market needs, through the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.
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