STUDY PERMIT CANADA – SHORTENED PERMIT DURATION FOR PREREQUISITE PROGRAMS
📍 Official IRCC update – December 22, 2025
IRCC has released updated processing guidelines for study permits issued for prerequisite programs, such as:
- English or French language training
- Foundation or bridging programs
- Qualifying year courses prior to full admission
📌 KEY CHANGE:
✅ Before: Study permits were issued for the duration of the prerequisite program plus one additional year
✅ Now: Study permits will only be issued for the length of the prerequisite program + 90 days
⚠️ This change stems from amendments made to IRPR in November 2024, and is now officially reflected in IRCC’s operational procedures.
➡️ Once students complete their prerequisite program, they must submit a new study permit application to begin their main academic program.
➡️ Even if your current study permit hasn’t expired, you cannot start the next program on the old permit if the program has changed.
🧭 SICON ADVISORY:
If you’re applying for a study permit under a multi-stage study plan involving any prerequisite program (language, pathway, or foundation), be aware:
🔹 IRCC will not issue permits for both stages upfront anymore
🔹 There is no automatic transition between programs
🔹 Applying with an unclear plan may result in shorter permit validity or visa refusal later
✅ Your study plan must clearly separate the prerequisite stage and the main academic program.
✅ Your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) should outline both stages if it’s a conditional admission from a DLI.
📣 HOW SICON CAN HELP:
🎯 We provide tailored strategies for multi-stage study permit applications:
✔️ Advising study plans aligned with the new IRCC policy
✔️ Assisting with two-stage permit applications correctly
✔️ Drafting strong Statements of Purpose (SOP) for students enrolled in prerequisite programs
✔️ Supporting with transition applications from foundation to full programs
📩 Contact SICON today to avoid critical mistakes that could jeopardize your 2026 Canada study permit.
