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New IRCC Rules: Shorter Study Permits for Students in Prerequisite Programs
Canada has introduced a significant change for international students starting their journey with prerequisite courses. According to updated instructions published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 19, 2026, students will now receive shorter initial study permits.
What Has Changed?
Previously, immigration officers were instructed to issue a study permit for the length of the prerequisite course plus an additional year. Under the new regulations, the permit will only be valid for the duration of the prerequisite course plus 90 days.
The Importance of Applying Early
Even if your prerequisite course (such as an ESL program) is less than six months long, the IRCC strongly advises applying for a study permit before arriving in Canada. While studying for under six months typically doesn't require a permit, having one is essential if you plan to continue into a longer program.
How It Works: An Example
Consider a student conditionally accepted into a four-year bachelor’s program, starting with a four-month English (ESL) course:
Initial Permit: If the ESL course ends on September 6, the study permit will be valid until December 5 (the course end date + 90 days).
Transitioning to the Main Program: After finishing the ESL course, the student must apply for a new study permit for their degree program from within Canada.
Maintained Status: While the new application is processing, the student benefits from maintained status, allowing them to continue their studies under the conditions of their original permit.
Applying from Within Canada
Applying for that initial permit for your prerequisite is crucial because it allows you to apply for your next permit without leaving the country. Other individuals who may apply for a study permit from within Canada include:
Current valid study or work permit holders.
Spouses or common-law partners of workers or students already in Canada on valid permits.
Exchange or visiting students.
Temporary resident permit holders with at least six months of validity.
Sponsored individuals who have already submitted a permanent residence application.
This change emphasizes the need for careful planning and timely applications to ensure a smooth transition into your main field of study in Canada.Canada has introduced a significant change for international students starting their journey with prerequisite courses. According to updated instructions published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 19, 2026, students will now receive shorter initial study permits.
What Has Changed?
Previously, immigration officers were instructed to issue a study permit for the length of the prerequisite course plus an additional year. Under the new regulations, the permit will only be valid for the duration of the prerequisite course plus 90 days.
The Importance of Applying Early
Even if your prerequisite course (such as an ESL program) is less than six months long, the IRCC strongly advises applying for a study permit before arriving in Canada. While studying for under six months typically doesn't require a permit, having one is essential if you plan to continue into a longer program.
How It Works: An Example
Consider a student conditionally accepted into a four-year bachelor’s program, starting with a four-month English (ESL) course:
Initial Permit: If the ESL course ends on September 6, the study permit will be valid until December 5 (the course end date + 90 days).
Transitioning to the Main Program: After finishing the ESL course, the student must apply for a new study permit for their degree program from within Canada.
Maintained Status: While the new application is processing, the student benefits from maintained status, allowing them to continue their studies under the conditions of their original permit.
Applying from Within Canada
Applying for that initial permit for your prerequisite is crucial because it allows you to apply for your next permit without leaving the country. Other individuals who may apply for a study permit from within Canada include:
Current valid study or work permit holders.
Spouses or common-law partners of workers or students already in Canada on valid permits.
Exchange or visiting students.
Temporary resident permit holders with at least six months of validity.
Sponsored individuals who have already submitted a permanent residence application.
This change emphasizes the need for careful planning and timely applications to ensure a smooth transition into your main field of study in Canada.Canada has introduced a significant change for international students starting their journey with prerequisite courses. According to updated instructions published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 19, 2026, students will now receive shorter initial study permits.
What Has Changed?
Previously, immigration officers were instructed to issue a study permit for the length of the prerequisite course plus an additional year. Under the new regulations, the permit will only be valid for the duration of the prerequisite course plus 90 days.
The Importance of Applying Early
Even if your prerequisite course (such as an ESL program) is less than six months long, the IRCC strongly advises applying for a study permit before arriving in Canada. While studying for under six months typically doesn't require a permit, having one is essential if you plan to continue into a longer program.
How It Works: An Example
Consider a student conditionally accepted into a four-year bachelor’s program, starting with a four-month English (ESL) course:
Initial Permit: If the ESL course ends on September 6, the study permit will be valid until December 5 (the course end date + 90 days).
Transitioning to the Main Program: After finishing the ESL course, the student must apply for a new study permit for their degree program from within Canada.
Maintained Status: While the new application is processing, the student benefits from maintained status, allowing them to continue their studies under the conditions of their original permit.
Applying from Within Canada
Applying for that initial permit for your prerequisite is crucial because it allows you to apply for your next permit without leaving the country. Other individuals who may apply for a study permit from within Canada include:
Current valid study or work permit holders.
Spouses or common-law partners of workers or students already in Canada on valid permits.
Exchange or visiting students.
Temporary resident permit holders with at least six months of validity.
Sponsored individuals who have already submitted a permanent residence application.
This change emphasizes the need for careful planning and timely applications to ensure a smooth transition into your main field of study in Canada.
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