New Canada Rule Issues Shorter Study Permits for ESL and Foundation Courses – Apply Now!

Under updated instructions published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 19, 2026, study permits issued for prerequisite courses will now be valid only for the duration of the prerequisite program plus 90 days. Previously, officers issued study permits covering the prerequisite course length plus an additional year.

This change means students must apply for a new study permit for their main academic program after completing their prerequisite course. The update mainly impacts students enrolling in ESL or other qualifying foundation programs before beginning long-term studies in Canada.

Under the new IRCC guidelines, a study permit for prerequisite courses will be issued for the exact length of the course plus 90 additional days. For example, if a prerequisite course lasts four months, the permit will be valid for those four months plus three extra months.

The 90-day period allows students time to prepare and apply for a new study permit for their primary academic program. Students must carefully plan their transition to avoid gaps in legal status while continuing their education in Canada.

In general, programs shorter than six months may not require a study permit. However, IRCC strongly advises international students to apply for a study permit if the short course is a prerequisite for a longer academic program in Canada.

Without a study permit for the prerequisite course, students may not be eligible to apply for a new study permit from within Canada. Applying early ensures legal status, smoother transition to the main program, and eligibility for maintained status while the new application is processed.

Yes, students who entered Canada with a valid study permit for their prerequisite course can apply for a new study permit from within Canada for their main academic program.

If they submit their new application before their current permit expires, they may benefit from maintained status. Maintained status allows students to continue studying under the same conditions while their new study permit application is being processed. This helps avoid interruptions in education and ensures compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.

If a student enters Canada to complete a short prerequisite course without a study permit, they may not be eligible to apply for a new study permit from within Canada for their longer program, unless they qualify under a specific exemption.

This could require them to leave Canada and apply from outside the country, leading to delays and additional expenses. Therefore, even if the prerequisite course is less than six months, applying for a study permit is recommended when it leads to a longer program.

Maintained status allows international students to continue studying under the conditions of their existing study permit if they apply for a new permit before the current one expires.

While the new application is being processed, students can legally remain in Canada and continue their education. Under the updated rules, this is especially important for students transitioning from prerequisite programs to full academic programs. Applying on time ensures continuous legal status and prevents disruption to studies or future immigration plans.

Yes, the updated rule directly impacts students who are conditionally accepted into degree or diploma programs and must first complete ESL or other prerequisite courses.

Their study permit will now cover only the ESL course duration plus 90 days. After completing ESL, they must apply for a new study permit for their main program. Proper planning is essential to ensure the application is submitted within the validity period to maintain legal status and continue studies without interruption.

The updated guidance was published on February 19, 2026, on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

From this date onward, officers are instructed to issue study permits for prerequisite programs for the course duration plus 90 days, instead of the earlier practice of adding one year. Students planning to begin prerequisite programs in 2026 and beyond should factor in this policy change while preparing their Canada study permit applications.

Certain foreign nationals may apply for a study permit from within Canada. This includes:

• Individuals holding a valid study or work permit
• Spouses or common-law partners of workers or students
• Exchange or visiting students
• Temporary resident permit holders valid for six months or more
• Sponsored permanent residence applicants
• Refugee claimants in Canada

Students completing prerequisites with a valid study permit also qualify to apply from within Canada for their main program, provided they meet IRCC eligibility conditions.