Canada to issue shorter study permits for students taking prerequisite courses

Canada will now issue shorter study permits to international students who travel to complete prerequisite courses before starting full-time academic programs. Under the revised guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as reported by CIC News, officers will grant study permits valid only for the duration of the prerequisite course plus 90 days. Earlier, permits covered the length of the course and an additional one year.

Permit validity reduced to 90-day extension

The change applies to students who receive conditional admission to a program at a designated learning institution and must first complete preparatory studies such as English as a Second Language (ESL).

Fresh application required after prerequisite

Students who apply for the initial study permit before travelling to Canada can apply for the second permit from within the country. In such cases, they may continue studying under maintained status while authorities process the new application.


As per CIC News report, although programs of less than six months usually do not require a study permit, IRCC advises foreign nationals to apply for one if the short course is a prerequisite for a longer program. Without the initial permit, students may not qualify to apply for a new study permit from within Canada unless they meet another exemption.

Who can apply from within Canada

The department lists other categories that can apply for a study permit from inside Canada. These include individuals holding a valid study or work permit, spouses or common-law partners of workers or students with valid status, exchange or visiting students, those holding a temporary resident permit valid for six months or more, applicants sponsored for permanent residence who have already submitted their application, and refugee claimants in Canada or their family members.

The update forms part of recent program delivery changes affecting international students planning higher education in Canada.