Canada offers Study Permit exemption for apprentices in 20+ Occupations. Check if you qualify!

Highlights: Canada offering study permit exemptions for apprentice programs in 20+ occupations

• IRCC is now allowing some temporary foreign workers to enrol in apprenticeship programs without study permit.
• Foreign construction workers would need a valid work permit and a job offer in relevant occupation.
• The applicant must also have an apprenticeship agreement for the work mentioned in the job offer.
• Occupations like construction managers, electrical mechanics and industrial electricians are eligible.

 

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Canada Study Permit Exemption for Apprentices

On March 07, 2025, IRCC stated that some temporary foreign workers associated with the construction industry would be eligible for apprentice programs in Canada without requiring a Canadian study permit. Candidates would be eligible if they meet the following criteria:

• Must have a valid work permit
• Must have a valid job offer in an eligible construction job role
• Must have an agreement of apprenticeship with an employer

The apprenticeship agreement has to be registered with the relevant territorial or provincial authority, and the foreign worker must meet the eligibility criteria at all times.

Note: IRCC has also announced that this temporary policy would remain effective till February 26, 2027.

 

Which occupations qualify for study permit exemption?

The following construction occupations are eligible for the new study permit exemption:

NOC Code	Occupation
72320	Bricklayers
72311	Cabinetmakers
72310	Carpenters
22300	Civil engineering technologists and technicians
21300	Civil engineers
73100	Concrete finishers
22303	Construction estimators
70010	Construction managers
72400	Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
72422	Electrical mechanics
72200	Electricians (except industrial and power system)
73113	Floor covering installers
72402	Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
72401	Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
70011	Home building and renovation managers
72201	Industrial electricians
73112	Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
72300	Plumbers
73110	Roofers and shinglers
72102	Sheet metal workers
72501	Water well drillers
72106	Welders and related machine operators

 

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How to apply for the apprentice program?

The steps to apply for the apprenticeship program without requiring a study permit are listed below:

Step 1: Submit a request including “Apprenticeship 25-27” in the explanation box

Step 2: Wait for a letter of authorization

Step 3: Fly to Canada upon successful application

The letter of authorization issued to successful applicants would be valid till the expiry of the work permit and the expiry or revocation of the public policy.

 

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