As an immigration consultation at Rio Immigration, I’m often asked about the latest changes to Canada’s study permit rules. In February 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released important updates affecting international students, particularly those enrolling in prerequisite courses, alongside longstanding clarifications on who may study in Canada without a study permit. In this post, I break down these developments and explain how they impact prospective students and applicants.
1. New Rule: Shorter Study Permits for Prerequisite Courses
Traditionally, international students who planned to begin a full-time academic program in Canada but first needed to complete a prerequisite course (such as English language training or foundational studies) were issued study permits that covered the length of the prerequisite plus one additional year. This longer validity often helped students remain in Canada while transitioning into their main degree program.
However, in an IRCC policy update published on February 19, 2026, this practice changed significantly. Under the new guidance:
- Students pursuing prerequisite courses will now be granted a study permit valid only for the duration of the prerequisite course plus 90 days.
Let’s look at an example to understand this better:
Suppose a student is conditionally accepted into a four-year bachelor’s program, but must first complete a four-month English as a Second Language (ESL) course. Under the revised rules, their study permit would now be valid only until 90 days after the ESL course ends. If the course ends on September 6, 2026, the permit would be valid until December 5, 2026 — not one year beyond.
Once the prerequisite has been completed, students are expected to submit a new study permit application for the main academic program if they plan to continue studying in Canada. If the application is submitted while the student is still in Canada and their existing permit is still valid, the applicant benefits from maintained status, meaning they can continue studying while waiting for a decision.
It’s important to note that although short courses (six months or less) generally don’t require a study permit, IRCC still recommends applying for one when the purpose of the course is to prepare for a longer program. If a student did not apply for a study permit for their prerequisite, they may not be eligible to apply for another permit from within Canada unless they meet a separate exemption.
2. Who Can Study in Canada Without a Study Permit?
IRCC also provides clear guidance on categories of people who may study in Canada without obtaining a study permit an important consideration for students planning short courses, training, or certain work-to-study transitions. The official government resource lists these exemptions:
a. Short-Term Students (6 Months or Less)
If you’re coming to Canada solely to take a course or program that ends within six months and will be completed during your authorized stay, you do not need a study permit. This applies to any short-term program, regardless of subject area, as long as it satisfies the duration requirement.
b. Family and Staff of Foreign Representatives
Family members or staff of accredited foreign representatives stationed in Canada may be exempt from the study permit requirement. This typically applies to diplomats and their households.
c. Members of Foreign Armed Forces
Service members of an allied foreign force designated under the Visiting Forces Act, who are in Canada on official duty, may study without a permit. A letter of acceptance from Canada’s Department of National Defence is normally required.
d. Registered Indians in Canada
Individuals who have Registered Indian status in Canada do not need a study permit, even if they are foreign nationals.
e. Minor Children in Canada
Children may study without a permit if they meet specific criteria such as attending primary or secondary school while a parent is in Canada with valid work or study status. Refugee claimants and their children also qualify.
f. Certain Work Permit Holders (Temporary Public Policy)
A temporary public policy allows some foreign nationals working in Canada to study without needing a separate permit, provided they hold a valid work permit that was applied for on or before June 7, 2023. This policy is set to remain in effect until June 27, 2026 unless further extended.
3. Practical Advice for Students
Given these changes and exemptions, my professional recommendations are:
- Apply for a study permit if your program is longer than six months, even if it starts with a short prerequisite course. The new shortened permit term means you’ll likely need to apply again for your main program, so planning ahead is crucial.
- If your course is only a short-term training program (≤6 months), ensure your travel documentation (visitor visa or eTA) covers your authorized stay.
- Work permit holders should confirm eligibility under the temporary public policy before relying on a permit exemption.
Each student’s situation is unique and Canadian immigration policy continues to evolve. Contacting an experienced immigration professional early can save time, money, and frustration.
If you’re planning to study in Canada and want tailored guidance on your options, Rio Immigration is here to help you navigate the process with confidence.
