Hyderabad: Canada introduced a temporary measure, allowing eligible foreign workers with valid work permits to pursue courses of up to six months without obtaining a separate study permit, a move that could benefit Indian professionals already working in the country.
Under the public policy, workers can study for up to six months or until their work permit expires, whichever comes first. The measure will remain in place until December 31, 2027.
The policy is aimed at helping temporary workers upgrade their skills, obtain professional licences and move into higher-skilled jobs. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has highlighted workers in sectors such as healthcare, laboratories and trade to improve their skills, while the government also sees the measure as supporting labour needs in areas including construction and other essential services.
For Indian workers, the change could make it easier to take short-term courses while continuing their jobs. Workers and professionals could use the flexibility to gain additional qualifications and complete short licensing programmes without going through a separate study permit process.
However, the measure does not allow workers to undertake full-time studies without a study permit. The course or programme must be six months or less, and the worker must hold a valid work permit.
Immigration analysts said the move can incentivise H-1B workers who are struggling in the US with the tighter scrutiny and rules. M. Dinesh, a consultant based in Hyderabad said, “Many H-1B employees are facing severe restrictions in the United States, not only job wise, but also regarding the environment and hatred towards Indian workers. Incentives like permit-free study, even for six months, can be enough for workers to avail visas and move to Canada.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
