Maple News reports that Canada has updated its study-permit policy for international students arriving to take prerequisite courses before starting longer programs. Under the new rules, a study permit will cover only 90 days beyond the length of the prerequisite course(s), replacing the previous instruction to issue a permit equal to the prerequisite length plus one year.
The update, published on February 19, 2026 on the immigration department’s website, clarifies that permit durations for prereqs are now limited to that 90-day extension.
A representative example cited in the guidance describes Celina Lavange, who is conditionally accepted to a four-year bachelor’s program at a designated learning institution. If she completes a four-month ESL prerequisite from May 6 to September 6, 2026, her initial study permit issued abroad would be valid through December 5, 2026 (September 6 plus 90 days). If she then remains in Canada and applies for the bachelor’s permit from within the country, she would benefit from maintained status while her application is processed.
IRCC continues to note that, although prerequisites lasting under six months may not always require a permit, applicants should still apply for a study permit if the prereq is part of preparing for enrollment in a longer program, even when the prereq duration is under six months.
Maple News observes that the change underscores the importance of early planning: international students and DLIs should factor in the shorter permit window when scheduling prerequisites and the transition to a longer program. Students should verify current rules with IRCC and their designated learning institutions as policies can evolve.