Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially updated its instructions:
International students coming to Canada to complete prerequisite courses (like ESL or foundation programs) will now receive shorter study permits than before.
The updated officer guidance was published on February 19, 2026.
📌 What Changed?
🔹 Old Rule
Study permit validity =
Length of prerequisite course + 1 year
🔹 New Rule (Effective Feb 19, 2026)
Study permit validity =
Length of prerequisite course + 90 days only
This significantly reduces the extra time students have before needing to apply again.
Example: Short Course → Big Program
- Ahmedwants to do a Master’s degree in Canada.
- First, he has to finish a short 6-month course(like English or a foundation course).
- He applies for a study permitbefore coming to Canada.
New rule:
- His study permit will now cover only the short course + 90 days extra.
- So after the course, his permit will expire soon.
What he must do next:
- Apply againfor a study permit for the Master’s program.
- Because he is already in Canada, he can apply without leaving.
- While waiting, he can stay and continue studying.
After finishing ESL:
- She must apply againfor a new study permit for her 4-year bachelor’s degree.
- Since she is already in Canada, she can apply from within the country.
🔄 What is “Maintained Status”?
If Celina applies for her second study permit before the first one expires:
✅ She can continue studying
✅ She remains legally in Canada
✅ She doesn’t need to leave the country
This is called maintained status.
⚠ Very Important Warning
Normally, courses under 6 months do not require a study permit.
However:
If the short course is a prerequisite for a longer program, IRCC strongly advises applying for a study permit.
Why?
If the student enters Canada without a study permit for the prerequisite course, they may not be eligible to apply from inside Canada for the main program (unless they qualify under another exemption).
This could force them to:
- Leave Canada
- Reapply from outside
- Face delays
🏠 Who Can Apply for a Study Permit from Inside Canada?
You may apply from within Canada if you:
- Hold a valid study permit or work permit
- Are the spouse/common-law partner of a valid permit holder
- Are an exchange or visiting student
- Hold a Temporary Resident Permit (valid 6+ months)
- Have submitted a permanent residence application
- Are a refugee claimant (or family member of one)
📊 Why Canada Made This Change
This update shows:
- 🔎More structured monitoring of conditional admissions
- 📑Tighter control on study permit timelines
- ⏳Reduced flexibility between programs
Students must now carefully plan:
- Admission timelines
- Visa validity
- Application submission dates
🎯 What This Means for International Students
✔ Apply early
✔ Track permit expiry carefully
✔ Prepare second permit application in advance
✔ Avoid gaps in legal status
This change makes strategic planning more important than ever.
📞 Need Help With Your Canada Study Plan?
WAC Consultants can guide you step-by-step.
📞 DHA Phase 3 Branch: +92 310 7203666
📞 Garden Town Branch: +92 310 7205666
📞 Gujrat Branch: +92 326 9616034
📩 Email: info@wacconsultants.com