Canada implements new visa and study measures for international students and workers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched initiatives to attract international graduate students and support foreign workers through specialized educational exemptions.

To recruit top researchers and students, the IRCC is offering streamlined processing, including a two-week turnaround for doctoral reviews and faster timelines for master’s applicants. This push follows a rise in interest, with graduate students accounting for 21% of new study permits issued in the first half of 2026. The program emphasizes post-graduation employment pathways, allowing international graduates to work in Canada after completing their degrees.

Additionally, a temporary measure allows eligible foreign workers in three specific occupational groups—trades, nursing, and laboratory technology—to study for up to six months without a separate study permit. This exemption, effective until December 31, 2027, is intended to help workers complete necessary licensing or professional training. This policy arrives as Canada aims to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to less than five percent of its population by the end of 2027.