On February 19, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its operational instructions regarding study permits.

This change is particularly important for international students who must complete prerequisite programs—such as ESL (English as a Second Language)—before beginning their main college, university, or graduate studies.

Visa JP Canada previously reported on this development in January 2026.  In this article, we provide a more detailed and practical explanation of what the change means and how it may affect your study plans.

Previous Rule (Until February 18, 2026)

Under the previous policy, students enrolled in prerequisite programs (such as ESL) were typically issued a study permit valid for:

Length of the prerequisite program + one additional year

This allowed significant flexibility when transitioning into the main academic program.

New Rule (Effective February 19, 2026)

Under the updated policy, students enrolled in prerequisite programs will now receive a study permit valid for:

Length of the prerequisite program + 90 days only

This represents a substantial reduction in validity.

Case: ESL → Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree

A student receives conditional acceptance to a four-year bachelor’s program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Condition prior to full admission:

• Completion of a four-month ESL program
• ESL program dates: May 6, 2026 – September 6, 2026

Under the New Rule

The study permit will expire:

September 6, 2026 + 90 days
→ December 5, 2026

Previously, the permit might have been valid for approximately one additional year. Now, students have only a three-month window after completing their prerequisite studies.

After completing the ESL program, students must:

✔ Apply for a new study permit from inside Canada
✔ Submit the application before the current permit expires
✔ Prepare all supporting documents in advance

If the new application is submitted before expiry, the student may benefit from maintained status, allowing them to remain in Canada legally while the new application is being processed.

However, it is important to note:

While on maintained status, students may remain in Canada, but they cannot begin their main academic program until the new study permit is approved.

This update particularly affects:

• Students with conditional Letters of Acceptance (Conditional LOA)
• ESL or foundation program students
• Those planning to transition into multi-year diploma or degree programs

Previously, the additional one-year buffer allowed flexibility. Now, careful timeline management is essential, as students must apply for their new study permit immediately after completing their prerequisite program.

Generally, programs under six months do not require a study permit.

However, IRCC clearly recommends that students completing prerequisite programs for a longer course of study apply for a study permit—even if the prerequisite program is less than six months in duration.

Why?

Because without an initial study permit, students are generally not eligible to apply for a new study permit from inside Canada, unless they meet another exemption.

You may apply from within Canada if you fall under one of the following categories:

• Hold a valid Study Permit or Work Permit
• Are the spouse or common-law partner of a valid worker or student
• Are an exchange or visiting student
• Hold a Temporary Resident Permit valid for six months or longer
• Have submitted a permanent residence application as a sponsored applicant
• Are a refugee claimant

Going forward, it is critical to:

1. Develop a strategy at the Conditional LOA stage
2. Prepare the main program study permit application well before ESL completion
3. Apply early rather than waiting until the last minute

Processing times have recently become unpredictable, making proactive planning more important than ever.

In addition, families should be aware of another key issue:

If a student has only been issued a short-term study permit for ESL (and not a permit valid for one year or longer), their dependent children may not qualify for free public schooling. Families planning to travel together must therefore exercise particular caution when structuring their applications.

Although the policy change may appear minor, its practical impact is significant.

✔ Study permits for prerequisite programs are now issued for program length + 90 days only
✔ Students must apply promptly for a new study permit after completing ESL or other prerequisites
✔ Obtaining an initial study permit—even for short programs—is strongly advisable

Visa JP Canada will continue to provide clear and practical updates on changes to Canadian immigration policies.

If you are:

• Currently conditionally accepted
• Planning to transition from ESL to a main academic program
• Unsure about the appropriate timing of your application

We strongly recommend seeking professional advice early to avoid unnecessary risks.