Canada has introduced a significant change to its international student policy, reducing the validity period of study permits issued to students enrolled in preparatory or prerequisite programmes. The update was confirmed in new guidance released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and affects students from Nigeria and other countries worldwide.
What Has Changed?
Under the revised policy, international students who must complete prerequisite courses before starting their main academic programme will now receive a much shorter study permit.
Prerequisite programmes include:
- Pre-degree or foundation programmes
- Bridging courses
- Language training such as English as a Second Language (ESL)
Previously, students in these programmes were issued study permits valid for the duration of the preparatory course plus an additional 12 months. This extra time allowed students to secure admission into their main programme and apply for a new study permit without disruption.
Under the new rules, study permits for prerequisite programmes will now be issued for only 90 days beyond the end of the preparatory course.
IRCC also emphasized that:
- International students must obtain a study permit for prerequisite studies, even if the course lasts less than six months, when the course is required for admission into a longer academic programme.
- The updated guidance applies to students who receive conditional admission into designated learning institutions.
Practical Example
A student admitted conditionally into a four-year degree programme who is required to complete a four-month ESL course will now receive a study permit valid for:
- The four-month ESL programme, plus
- An additional 90 days
Once the prerequisite course is completed, the student must apply for a new study permit to continue with the main academic programme.
If the application for the new permit is submitted from within Canada, the student may continue studying under maintained status while waiting for a decision.
Applying from Within Canada
Students already in Canada may still be eligible to apply for a study permit from within the country under specific circumstances, including if they: Hold a valid study or work permit, Are a spouse or dependent of a permit holder, Are exchange or visiting students, Hold a temporary resident permit valid for six months or more, Have a pending permanent residence application and Are refugee claimants or eligible family members
Why Canada Is Making This Change
According to IRCC, the revised permit timeline is intended to: Streamline processing, Reduce prolonged stays in preparatory programmes, Ensure students transition more quickly into their primary academic studies
This update aligns with broader adjustments to Canada’s immigration framework.
Broader Immigration Reforms
The study permit change comes alongside other major immigration updates, including:
- The introduction of five priority talent categories under a revamped 2026 Express Entry system, targeting highly skilled workers such as medical doctors, researchers, senior managers, transport professionals, healthcare workers, skilled tradespeople, and French-speaking candidates.
- An increase in minimum work experience requirements in key occupations to 12 months.
- The removal of cooks from the trade occupation list.
What This Means for Prospective Students
For Nigerian and other international students, this policy means:
- Less flexibility after completing preparatory programmes
- A tighter timeline to apply for a new study permit
- The need for better planning and faster transitions into main academic programmes
Students considering Canada for study are strongly advised to plan ahead, understand their conditional admission requirements, and prepare early for study permit renewals to avoid disruptions to their education journey.
