International students planning to complete prerequisite courses before starting a full academic program in Canada will now receive shorter study permits under updated rules from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The revised instructions, published on February 19, 2026, change how long study permits are issued for students who must complete prerequisite courses such as English as a Second Language (ESL) before beginning their main program.
What Has Changed?
Under the previous policy, immigration officers were instructed to issue a study permit covering:
Length of the prerequisite course(s)
Plus one additional year
Under the new guidelines, officers will now issue a study permit for:
Length of the prerequisite course(s)
Plus 90 days only
This change significantly reduces the validity period of study permits for students entering Canada to complete prerequisite requirements.
Example Scenario: ESL Prerequisite Before a Four-Year Program
Consider the following example.
Celina Lavange receives conditional acceptance into a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a designated learning institution in Canada. Her admission is dependent on completing a four-month ESL course running from May 6, 2026, to September 6, 2026.
She applies for a study permit before traveling to Canada. Upon arrival at a port of entry, she is issued a study permit valid until December 5, 2026. This reflects the end of her ESL program plus the additional 90 days allowed under the new rule.
After completing her ESL course in September, Celina applies from within Canada for a new study permit covering her four-year bachelor’s program.
Because she applies before her current permit expires, she benefits from maintained status. This allows her to continue studying under the conditions of her existing permit while her new application is being processed.
Why Students Should Still Apply for a Study Permit for Short Prerequisites
Generally, study programs lasting less than six months do not require a study permit. However, IRCC strongly advises international students to apply for a study permit if they are completing prerequisite courses in preparation for a longer academic program.
Failing to apply for a study permit for the prerequisite program can create complications.
For example, if Celina had entered Canada to complete her four-month ESL course without a study permit, she would not be eligible to apply for a study permit from within Canada, unless she qualified under another exemption category.
This could require her to leave Canada and apply from outside the country, causing delays and additional expenses.
Who Can Apply for a Study Permit from Within Canada?
In addition to students completing prerequisites, individuals may apply for a study permit from within Canada in the following situations:
• Holding a valid study permit or work permit
• Being the spouse or common-law partner of a worker or student in Canada with valid status
• Being an exchange student or visiting student
• Holding a temporary resident permit valid for six months or longer (including dependent family members)
• Being sponsored for permanent residence and having already submitted the application
• Being a refugee claimant in Canada, or a family member of one
What This Means for International Students
This update means students entering Canada for prerequisite courses must plan carefully. With only 90 additional days beyond the prerequisite program, there is a narrower window to apply for and secure approval for a new study permit.
Students should:
• Apply early for their follow-up study permit
• Ensure all documentation for their main program is ready
• Monitor processing times
• Maintain valid status at all times
Proper planning will help avoid gaps in status and ensure a smooth transition into the full academic program.
Final Thoughts
The updated policy from IRCC reflects tighter controls around temporary residence and study permits. While the new 90-day extension provides some flexibility, it requires international students to be proactive in managing their immigration status.
If you are planning to study in Canada and must complete prerequisite courses first, it is important to understand these new rules and prepare accordingly to avoid disruptions to your academic journey.
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