Canada has revised its study permit policy, reducing the validity period granted to international students who must complete preparatory courses before starting longer academic programmes, according to updated guidance issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Prerequisite courses include programmes such as pre-degree, bridging, or language training courses that students must complete before they can begin their main course of study.
IRCC said study permits for prerequisite programmes will now be issued for only 90 days beyond the duration of the preparatory course.
For example, a student admitted into a four-year degree programme who is required to complete a four-month English as a Second Language course will receive a permit valid for the duration of the preparatory programme plus an additional 90 days.
After completing the prerequisite, the student must apply for a new study permit for the main programme. If the application is submitted from within Canada, the student may continue studying under maintained status while the new permit is processed.
The department also noted that international students are required to obtain a study permit for prerequisite studies, even if the course lasts less than six months, when it is required for admission into a longer academic programme.
Previously, students completing preparatory programmes were granted study permits valid for the duration of the course plus an extra 12 months, allowing time to secure admission into their main programme and apply for a new permit without interruption. The updated guidance clarifies procedures for students admitted conditionally to designated learning institutions.
Students already in Canada may still be eligible to apply for a study permit from within the country in certain situations, including holding a valid study or work permit, being the spouse or dependent of a permit holder, participating as an exchange or visiting student, holding a temporary resident permit valid for six months or more, having a pending permanent residence application, or being a refugee claimant or a family member of one.
The revised permit timeline is expected to streamline processing and ensure students transition more quickly into their primary academic programmes.
